Philippines gaming regulator PAGCOR has issued a public advisory warning the public against participating in unauthorized online gaming activities.
The advisory, issued earlier this week, claims the agency has been receiving regular reports about the proliferation of illegal online betting operations and other related activities.
In response, PAGCOR warned that participating in such activities is an offense and punishable by law, as well as “[exposing] one to the dangers of being victimized by unscrupulous groups.”
It also encouraged users to engage only with PAGCOR-authorized gaming entities and gaming websites or platforms.
The warning comes as PAGCOR continues to defend the validity of its offshore gaming industry, insisting POGOs are here to stay despite calls by some senators for the industry to be completely shut down. Another suggested earlier this week that all licensed POGO operators be relocated to a controlled zone to help with supervision and reduce crime.
PAGCOR also launched a so-called PIGO (Philippine Inland Gaming Operators) scheme in November 2020 in response to the closure of land-based gaming venues due to COVID-19, allowing casino and integrated resort operators to be licensed to offer online gambling to existing registered members located anywhere within the Philippines.