Philippine Senator Calls for Ban on POGO and All Forms of Online Gambling

Philippine Senator Joel Villanueva has launched an initiative to completely ban all forms of online gambling in the country, including Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). The move follows recent raids on illegal POGOs that uncovered cases of human trafficking, murder and money laundering. The proposed ban, under Senate Bill (SB) 1281, calls for fines of up to PHP 500,000 ($8,536) or imprisonment of up to six months for those involved in online gambling.

Villanueva emphasized that the social costs of gambling far outweigh any possible benefits. "We must end this once and for all," he said. The senator also deplored the failure of the nation's gaming regulator, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), to ensure the legality and compliance of all online gaming operators in the country.

The senator pointed to recent raids in Bamban, Tarlac and Porac, Pampanga, where POGOs formerly licensed by PAGCOR were found that were later caught operating fraudulently. This, he said, demonstrates PAGCOR's inability to monitor its licensees and prevent illegal activities.

Under the bill, any person who engages in online gambling will be punished with imprisonment of up to six months or a fine of up to PHP 500,000. Villanueva believes such measures are necessary to combat the negative social consequences of gambling.

Despite strict measures, PAGCOR continues to protect the country's legal Internet Gambling Licensees (IGLs). PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro J. Tengco said IGLs generated more than PHP 5 billion in gross revenue for the country in 2023. However, according to Villanueva, this income does not justify the social costs associated with gambling.

Senator Villanueva's proposal to ban all forms of online gambling in the Philippines has caused heated debate and division in society. On the one hand, supporting strict measures to combat illegal gambling and its negative consequences, on the other hand, protecting economic interests and income from legal operators. Time will tell how things will unfold, but one thing is clear: the debate about the future of online gambling in the Philippines is just beginning.