The Philippine government has officially shut down the country’s largest Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) facility, located in Kawit, Cavite. Authorities, led by key officials, including Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chair Alejandro Tengco, conducted the formal closure of the compound, which was housed on a 33-hectare property formerly known as Island Cove.
According to local reports, the facility started operating in 2019 and employed around 30,000 workers, majority of whom were Filipinos. It featured extensive infrastructure, including employee dormitories, gaming hubs, and various amenities such as restaurants and clinics. However, following the government’s directive to terminate all POGO operations by the end of 2024, local inspections confirmed the cessation of all activities by late November.
The Philippine government also initiated measures to support the workers impacted by the shutdown. Filipino employees are being assisted through job fairs organised by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Meanwhile, foreign workers have been repatriated after their work visas were downgraded to tourist visas, preventing them from continuing employment in the country.
Despite the closure of legal POGO hubs, authorities remain vigilant against underground operations. According to the Presidential Anti-Organised Crime Commission (PAOCC), approximately 100 illegal POGO setups have been identified nationwide. These so-called “guerrilla” operations often operate covertly in residential areas. Indicators such as excessive electricity usage, frequent food deliveries, and the presence of foreign nationals have become critical in detecting such activities. The Philippine National Police (PNP) and PAGCOR are intensifying their inspections to eliminate these hidden operations entirely.
While the total ban on POGOs could result in a revenue loss of PHP20 billion (€321.9 million) annually, PAGCOR remains optimistic about compensating for this shortfall by issuing new gaming licences under tighter regulations. The government aims to shift its focus towards legal and sustainable gaming activities that align with the administration’s goals of minimising crime and enhancing transparency in the sector.
The government is also moving to seize assets linked to POGO activities proven to involve criminal elements. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin told local media that existing laws already provide for the forfeiture of properties used in crimes, although the process requires due legal proceedings. Proposed legislation, such as the Anti-POGO Act, seeks to streamline this process, enabling the government to confiscate buildings, equipment, and proceeds associated with illegal POGO operations.
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