PAGCOR Suspends All Casino and Gaming Operations in Manila

Rodrigo Duterte, president of the Philippines, has hinted at more stringent online gaming regulation. He claims that he is planning to impose further regulations on the country’s online gaming industry, but ruled out a ban on the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

He added that further tightening of POGO regulations could be a reasonable act amidst concerns aired by some senators recently over alleged criminal activities within the industry.

“I want it legalized. If they can pass a law about POGO, fine, go ahead. Supervise it by law. We are not justifying it. We are just saying that it is allowed because we need the funds,” Durerte said.

Duterte also brushed aside the demands to prevent the entry of Chinese workers in the POGO industry.

“We cannot bar Chinese nationals from entering the country because they allow us to enter China also and even work in Hong Kong,” he said.

As per the official figures, there are 60 licensed POGOs in the Philippines under which 218 service providers are currently operating.

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