The online gambling industry in the Philippines, which includes many companies known as Philippine Online Gaming Corporations (POGOs), took root and thrived during the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte. During Duterte’s 2016-2022 tenure, hundreds of gambling companies were officially registered, employing half a million foreign workers and supporting thousands of related businesses. POGOs are estimated to have contributed around $500 million annually to the Philippine government, employed many Filipinos, and generated significant indirect revenues.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant decline in POGOs. While President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has banned the establishment of new POGOs, the existing ones have been allowed to…
