Around 50,000 Filipinos could lose their jobs if the government pushes through with banning offshore gaming firms. The warning came from a joint statement released by multiple industry groups. These groups called on lawmakers to consider the economic consequences of such a drastic move.
They emphasized that the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) sector continues to comply with regulations. It also contributes billions to the national economy. Despite facing criticism, they asserted that licensed firms operate legally and provide jobs, pay taxes, and lease office space.
POGO operators said they would not back down easily. They accused critics of spreading outdated and misleading information. In particular, they pointed to claims linking the industry to criminal activities. According to them, this narrative does not reflect the actual state of legitimate, licensed operators.
The industry’s response follows renewed calls from several Philippine senators to completely ban POGOs. These lawmakers cited national security threats, alleged money laundering, and an increase in crimes linked to illegal gaming. However, industry players insisted that banning POGOs would not stop these problems. Instead, they argued, it would worsen the situation by forcing operations underground.
They stressed that the legal iGaming sector employs tens of thousands of Filipinos. These jobs range from IT and marketing to customer service and technical support. Banning POGOs, they claimed, would not only kill jobs but also reduce tax collections and hurt office real estate demand.
In fact, one industry group highlighted how POGO companies support hundreds of local suppliers and landlords. Removing these firms, they said, would have ripple effects across multiple sectors, from transport to logistics to food service.
Meanwhile, the group urged the government to strengthen enforcement rather than eliminate the entire sector. They recommended improved regulation, more oversight, and coordinated efforts to target illegal operators specifically.
Their statement ended with a warning. Shutting down licensed operators would not eliminate crime, but it would destroy a compliant industry. They urged policymakers to listen to stakeholders before making irreversible decisions.
