Anti-POGO Act Clears Senate—Philippine Gaming Faces Shift

The Philippine Senate just passed a law to outlaw POGOs. What does this mean for the gaming sector, regional operators, and the country’s image?

The Philippine Senate has officially passed the Anti-POGO Act of 2025 on its third and final reading—setting the stage for a full ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). While the vote (21-0) shows near-total support for the bill, the bigger question now is: what took so long—and is it enough to fix the damage already done?

What the Bill Does

The Anti-POGO Act seeks to end all POGO operations, revoke existing licenses, and prohibit future applications. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, the bill’s key proponent, has long cited the connection between POGOs and crimes ranging from scams and human trafficking to kidnappings and cyber fraud.

According to Gatchalian, the crackdown is necessary to “protect Filipinos and clean up the country’s image.” But with many POGO-related operations already relocating to Cambodia, Laos, and other jurisdictions, the law may end up more symbolic than sweeping.

Regional Impact

For Southeast Asia’s iGaming scene, the Philippines was once viewed as the “offshore gaming capital of Asia.” The shift away from POGOs marks a reputational reset—but it also opens questions about economic fallout.

POGOs generated billions in revenue and supported thousands of jobs. Their removal could tighten fiscal space unless PAGCOR and related agencies ramp up legitimate revenue channels like e-casinos or domestic gaming. On the other hand, some analysts argue that cleaning house now will attract more serious, regulated investors in the long run.

What’s Next?

The bill still needs House concurrence and presidential approval to become law. However, its smooth passage through the Senate hints at bipartisan consensus and a shift in tone across the political spectrum.

Still, enforcement remains a key hurdle. Industry observers say rogue operators may stay underground, especially if coordination among agencies remains weak.

Final Thoughts

The Philippines may be late to the anti-POGO game, but it's finally catching up. The bigger challenge lies ahead: enforcing the law, restoring investor trust, and reshaping its iGaming future. The next few months will show whether this is a true turning point—or just another policy headline.

Read related article:  Senator Risa Hontiveros Pushes for Approval of Anti-POGO Act