The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines recently warned that offshore gambling continues to victimize Chinese citizens. A spokesperson addressed the issue on Thursday in response to an April 14 incident involving alleged bribery by a Chinese national tied to an offshore gaming operation in Metro Manila.
Authorities reported that the individual tried to bribe local police with PHP3 million after a raid at a Taguig residence, where officers confiscated firearms and other illegal items. This marked the third time in just a few weeks that Chinese diplomats in the Asia Pacific region raised alarms over their nationals’ involvement in overseas gambling.
When asked about the April 14 case, the Chinese embassy spokesperson firmly stated, “Chinese law prohibits gambling in any form.” The spokesperson clarified that the Chinese government strictly prohibits its citizens from engaging in gambling operations abroad and emphasized its commitment to punishing violators.
Moreover, the spokesperson urged all Chinese nationals to follow local laws and reiterated that gambling causes social harm. “Many Chinese citizens have become victims of offshore gambling,” the spokesperson added.
Additionally, the embassy confirmed that it regularly communicates with Philippine law enforcement to address criminal cases tied to gambling operations. The spokesperson also expressed support for the Philippines in tackling the root causes of issues linked to the offshore gaming industry.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) initially introduced offshore gaming licenses to regulate companies based in the country but serving foreign clients. However, after widespread reports of tax evasion, kidnapping, and other crimes tied to offshore operators, PAGCOR responded by overhauling its licensing framework. The agency has since revoked or disqualified several operators.
As the government tightens its crackdown, players should act cautiously. To avoid legal trouble and ensure safety, everyone must verify whether an online gambling site holds a valid PAGCOR license before playing. Risks remain high on unlicensed platforms, and being informed is the best protection.
