Anti-POGO Act of 2025: Philippines Bans Offshore Gaming Operations in Full
Republic Act No. 12312, officially titled the Anti-POGO Act of 2025, has been enacted into law, permanently banning offshore gaming operations and related activities in the Philippines.
The law repeals Republic Act No. 11590, which previously provided the tax framework for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), and declares offshore gaming activities illegal as a matter of national policy. The Act underscores the State’s duty to protect public welfare, peace and order, and human dignity.
Scope of the Prohibition
The law defines offshore gaming as the offering or participation in games of chance, card games, sporting events, or similar activities through the internet or electronic means, using networks and systems operating in the Philippines, but catering to players located outside the country.
Under the Act, the following acts are expressly prohibited:
- Establishing, operating, or conducting offshore gaming operations in the Philippines
- Accepting bets or wagers for offshore gaming
- Acting as a POGO gaming content provider or accredited service provider
- Creating or operating POGO hubs or sites
- Possessing, using, or maintaining offshore gaming equipment or paraphernalia
- Aiding, abetting, protecting, or facilitating offshore gaming activities, including through the use of shell companies, false documentation, or the leasing of properties for gaming purposes
The law adopts detailed definitions of key terms to ensure comprehensive coverage of offshore gaming-related activities.
Revocation of Licenses and Permits
All licenses, permits, accreditations, and authorities previously issued for POGO operations and related services are permanently revoked. Government agencies are likewise prohibited from issuing any new licenses or permits for offshore gaming.
Cancellation of Visas and Work Permits
All visas, work permits, and alien employment permits issued to foreign nationals engaged in offshore gaming operations are revoked. Foreign workers affected by the ban are subject to deportation in accordance with immigration laws.
Tax Obligations Remain
Despite the prohibition, former POGO operators, service providers, and agents remain liable for all taxes, duties, fees, and charges due up to the time of cessation of operations. Government authorities are mandated to conduct audits to determine and collect outstanding liabilities.
Employment and Anti-Trafficking Measures
The Act prohibits the recruitment, hiring, transporting, maintaining, or harboring of any person for the purpose of offshore gaming operations. Recruitment conducted under the guise of employment, training, or apprenticeship for offshore gaming is deemed unlawful and treated in relation to existing anti-trafficking laws.
Support for Affected Filipino Workers
The law directs relevant government agencies to implement programs for Filipino workers displaced by the ban. These programs include skills training, upskilling, reskilling, and employment facilitation to assist affected workers in transitioning to alternative livelihoods.
Administrative Oversight Committee
An Administrative Oversight Committee is created to oversee the implementation and enforcement of the Act. The committee is tasked with coordinating enforcement efforts, maintaining monitoring systems, supervising investigations and prosecutions, and submitting regular compliance reports.
Penalties
Violations of the Anti-POGO Act of 2025 carry severe criminal penalties:
- First offense: Imprisonment of six to eight years and a fine of at least P15 million
- Second offense: Imprisonment of eight years and one day to ten years and a fine of P15 million to P30 million
- Third offense: Imprisonment of ten years and one day to twelve years and a fine of P30 million to P50 million
Public officials who violate the law face the maximum penalties, dismissal from service, and perpetual disqualification from holding public office. Foreign offenders are subject to deportation after serving their sentence. Probation is not allowed for convictions under the Act.
Forfeiture of Assets
Buildings, equipment, paraphernalia, and proceeds used in or derived from offshore gaming operations are subject to forfeiture in favor of the government. Gaming equipment used in violations must be destroyed in accordance with law.
Effectivity and Implementation
The Anti-POGO Act of 2025 takes effect fifteen days after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation. Implementing rules and regulations must be issued within sixty days from effectivity.
The full law can be accessed here.