The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) announced on Wednesday that all remaining licenses of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) will be revoked by December 15, following a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos to cease POGO operations nationwide.
During a press briefing at Malacañang, Pagcor chairman and chief executive officer Alejandro Tengco confirmed that no licenses will remain active beyond this year. “On Dec. 15, four days from now, all POGO licenses will be canceled,” he said.
“There will also be no renewal of permits for 2025. By Jan. 1, 2025, no one will have a valid Pagcor license,” the Pagcor chief added.
The decision is a culmination of President Marcos’ earlier declaration during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) to ban POGOs due to concerns over regulatory issues and social impact.
According to Tengco, Pagcor has significantly reduced the number of POGO operators and service providers from over 300 to just seven remaining license holders.
“As of today, only seven operators have active Pagcor licenses. Many have voluntarily ceased operations and requested license cancellations,” Tengco said.
Tengco explained that the winding down of POGO operations includes coordinating with the Bureau of Immigration to downgrade work visas for former operators, ensuring a smooth transition.
Pagcor officials reiterated that any claims by entities regarding valid POGO licenses after Dec. 15 are false.
With the full shutdown imminent, Tengco expressed confidence that Pagcor is taking the necessary steps to comply with the president’s directive and address related concerns.
