Philippine president signs ‘Anti-POGO Act’

The legislation institutionalises the ban on offshore gaming operators.

The Philippines.- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed Republic Act (RA) 12312, or the “Anti-POGO Act of 2025,” which institutionalises the ban on offshore gaming operators. signed last week, the law repeals Republic Act No. 11590, the act that imposed taxes offshore gaming licensees and their service providers in the Philippines.

The Act was passed by the Senate of the Philippines as Senate Bill No. 2868 on June 9, 2025, and adopted by the House of Representatives as an amendment to House Bill No. 10987 on June 11, 2025.

President Marcos issued Executive Order No. 74 imposing an immediate ban on offshore gaming operators in November 2024 following concerns over human trafficking and torture, associated with POGO hubs.

Anyone found guilty of breaching the ban faces imprisonment of up to eight years and a fine of up to PHP15m (US$255,275) for the first offence; up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to PHP30m (US$510,550) for the second and up to 12 years in prison and a fine of up to PHP50m (US$850,920) for the third offense.

If the offender is a public official or employee, the maximum penalty under the applicable category will be imposed. If the guilty party is/are a foreigner/s, they will be deported immediately after serving their sentence and permanently banned from re-entering the Philippines.

See also:

See also: Philippine online gambling transactions fell by up to 50% after e-wallet ban, PAGCOR says

The legislation institutionalises the ban on offshore gaming operators. The Philippines.- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed Republic Act (RA) 12312, or the “Anti-POGO Act of 2025,” which institutionalises…