PAGCOR Officially Shuts Down Offshore Gaming Hub in Cavite

Cavite, Philippines – The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has officially shut down the offshore gaming hub located at Island Cove in Kawit, Cavite, in compliance with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to cease all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) activities nationwide.

The formal closure took place on December 17, 2024, and was overseen by PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) Executive Director Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz, and Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil.

Largest POGO Hub in the Philippines

The Island Cove facility was the largest POGO hub in the country, spanning 33 hectares and housing 57 buildings. At its peak, it employed approximately 30,000 workers, including both Filipinos and foreign nationals. The compound featured gaming hubs, dormitories, restaurants, grocery stores, clinics, and other amenities catering to its employees.

Phasing Out of POGO Operations

According to Chairman Tengco, the closure aligns with the broader initiative to eliminate offshore gaming operations across the country. This effort follows Executive Order No. 74, which enforces the President’s mandate to ban all POGOs. Tengco confirmed that all remaining legitimate offshore gaming operators voluntarily submitted letters to PAGCOR, stating their intent to shut down operations by the end of 2024.

“These companies have coordinated with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to facilitate a smooth transition for affected employees, including the downgrading of work visas and repatriation procedures,” Tengco stated.

Impact on Workers and Government Support

The shutdown of offshore gaming hubs nationwide has impacted an estimated 40,000 workers. In response, government agencies such as DOLE and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) are offering livelihood programs, job fairs, and financial assistance to help displaced employees transition to new opportunities.

Crackdown on Illegal POGO Operators

Authorities have warned that any unauthorized offshore gaming operations will be subject to strict law enforcement actions. The PAOCC and the PNP continue to track down illegal operators who have relocated to smaller areas across the country.

“These illegal operators have shifted to less visible locations, but the government remains resolute in shutting them down,” Tengco said, citing recent raids in Lapu-Lapu City and Davao del Norte.

Future of Island Cove Property

While the Island Cove gaming hub has been closed, its future remains uncertain. PAGCOR clarified that the property is privately owned, and it is up to the owners to decide its future use. Tengco assured that the owners had cooperated fully with the government’s directive and had not committed any violations.

Legal Online Casinos Allowed by PAGCOR

Despite the crackdown on POGOs, PAGCOR continues to regulate and authorize legal online casinos that adhere to strict government regulations. Platforms such as PisoGame operate under PAGCOR’s supervision, ensuring fair play, security, and responsible gaming practices. These licensed online casinos provide a safe and legal alternative for players in the Philippines who wish to engage in online gaming while complying with the country’s gaming laws.

The closure of the Island Cove POGO hub represents a significant step in the Philippine government’s efforts to regulate the gaming industry and uphold national security concerns linked to offshore gaming operations.

Source: PAGCOR.PH

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