📷 shannonmulliganphoto.com
THE Philippine Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) ceased issuing licenses to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) amid its bad reputation, but surprisingly farmed out licenses to what they now refer to as internet gaming licensees (IGL).
In its listing, PAGCOR gave away at least 40 licenses to IGLs, on top of the nine permits issued to province based gaming entities bringing to 49 the total number of new permittees as of May 15.
Previously, the state gaming regulator hinted at the need for POGOs to reapply for licenses embarking on strict compliance with the revised regulations covering offshore gaming in view of persistent controversies involving violations and human trafficking.
As per previous disclosures, offshore gaming business brought in P3.15 billion in 2023 which represents 4% of its declared earnings amounting to P79.37 billion or roughly one-fifth of PAGCOR’s gaming revenues for that particular year. (ANGEL F. JOSE)
