Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed the Republic Act 12312, or the Anti-POGO Act of 2025, on October 23, and the announcement came on Wednesday, October 29. All forms of offshore gambling are now banned in the country. The decree puts an end to years of controversy linking offshore gambling with organised crime.
Offshore Gambling Outlawed in the Philippines: Key Insights
The Anti-POGO Act of 2025 revokes existing licenses and outlaws related services, such as IT, marketing, customer support, payment solutions, odds making, etc. The ban extends to operators, content providers, and equipment manufacturers.
An Administrative Oversight Commission (AOC) will be formed to ensure compliance. Offenders risk facing up to 12 years in prison along with a fine of up to 50 million pesos (roughly €738,098). The law will come into effect within 15 days.
All POGO infrastructure, including buildings and equipment, used directly or indirectly in violation of the act, will be seized by the government and disposed of according to existing law.
Philippine Government Takes Strict Measures Against Offshore Gambling
President of the Philippines Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act Number 12312, also known as the Anti-POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) Act of 2025, on Wednesday, October 29. The decree prohibits all forms of offshore gambling in the country and extends to third-party service providers facilitating operations.
The law strictly bans the “establishment, operation, or conduct of offshore gaming in the Philippines”. It also revokes existing licences issued by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and Special Economic Zone (SEZ) authorities.
The Philippine government had been mulling over a total ban on gambling for quite some time. However, backlash from industry stakeholders and proactive efforts from PAGCOR to improve consumer protection protocols convinced lawmakers to reconsider the prohibition order.
Online gambling is a major revenue source for the Philippines. The sector generated PHP215 billion (approximately €3.23 billion) in revenue during the first half of 2025. Lawmakers have outlined a tax plan wherein licenced operators must clear their dues until the final day of operation, which is 15 days from the law being made public.
The law states:
The State recognises that the maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property, and the promotion of the general welfare are paramount for the meaningful enjoyment of democracy. The State likewise values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights.
Law Revokes Existing Gambling Licenses, Outlines Penalties
Existing offshore gambling licence holders must wind up operations within the deadline or face penalties. First-time offenders can face jail time between 6 and 8 years, along with a fine of up to PHP 15 million (roughly €221,350). A second offence has higher consequences, including a prison sentence between 8 and 10 years, along with a fine of up to PHP 30 million (roughly €442,701).
Third-time offenders face imprisonment between 10 and 12 years and fines of up to PHP 50 million (roughly €738,098). If the offender is a public official or government employee, the highest penalty shall be imposed. They shall be dismissed from employment and perpetually disqualified from being employed or elected to any government office.
The government will seize all POGO buildings and equipment that are used directly or indirectly in violation of the law, along with all proceeds generated from such activities. All work permits and exclusions issued by the labour department for employees in the online gambling sector have been revoked.
The Department of Labour and Employment will support displaced Filipino nationals through reemployment programmes to offset the economic and social repercussions of the online gambling ban. To ensure oversight and compliance, an Administrative Oversight Committee will be established, with representation from law enforcement agencies and other government bodies, including the justice, IT, and interior ministries.
Senator Risa Hontiveros, in an official press briefing, commended the new law, explaining that it will prevent POGOs from exploiting Filipino nationals. She thanked law enforcement agencies and all other stakeholders for playing their part in uncovering the industry’s dark secrets.
Risa Hontiveros said:
Finally, the mistake of the previous administration in introducing the POGO industry into the country can be corrected.