• About Us
  • The Team
  • Advertise with Us

The latest news on the gaming industry in Asia

() () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () ()
  • Home
  • Macau
  • Philippines
  • Singapore
  • Japan
  • Rest of Asia
  • World
  • Industry Talk
  • Trends & Tech
  • iGaming
  • follow
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • RSS Feed
    • LinkedIn

Pagcor approves two hubs for POGO operations

Jul 15, 2019 Newsdesk Latest News, Philippines, Top of the deck  


Pagcor approves two hubs for POGO operations

The head of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (Pagcor), Andrea Domingo, says that the gaming regulator has so far approved the establishment of two areas in the country for Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).

“It’s easier for us to regulate when they [POGOs] are in hubs,” Ms Domingo told reporters on the sidelines of the Phil-Asian Gaming Expo (PAGE) 2019. The official said additionally that there would be “some special privileges” to entice POGOs to move into such hubs.

Ms Domingo said Pagcor has so far approved two hubs: one in the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone, with about 10 hectares (24.7 acres), and the second planned for Kawit, in the southern province of Cavite, with some 30 hectares.

According to Pagcor, POGO licences for operators located at special hubs are valid for three years and renewable for seven years, compared to three years with a three-year extension for those operating outside such areas.

The Business World news outlet reported that such hubs will have office and residential space; food outlets; grocery and convenience stores; and shops for other services, as well as facilities for health, well-being and entertainment. State agencies that have a role in POGO regulation will also have offices in those areas, added the outlet.

POGOs are said to be expanding aggressively and as of end-June, they leased 242,000 square metres (2,604,866 sq feet) in Metro Manila, according to data from Leechiu Property Consultants quoted by Bloomberg news agency.

As of March, the country’s Bureau of Internal Revenue had 54 POGO licensees on its list, of which 10 were local companies and 44 were offshore operators. At that time, seven of the local operators and only eight of the offshore licensees had been registered with the tax bureau, reported the Business Mirror.

Authorities in the Philippines are trying to reign in on the expansion and trying to regulate better these operators, including to account for foreign workers in the industry. Bloomberg reported that the Philippine government estimated that 138,000 people, mostly Chinese nationals, are working in online casinos that cater to overseas punters.

Kevin Wong, general manager of Oriental Game, said the company is investing more than PHP8 billion (US$156.4 million) to build the two hubs for POGOs so far approved by Pagcor. Oriental Game is described as one of the country’s leading online operators.


  • tweet
Related articles
  • Pagcor chairman keynote speech at SiGMA Asia
    Pagcor chairman keynote speech at SiGMA...

    Mar 28, 2023  

  • Philippines SEC ties with Pagcor to fight money laundering
    Philippines SEC ties with Pagcor to...

    Mar 27, 2023  

More news
  • 3-month eVisa plan to boost Vietnam tourism: report
    3-month eVisa plan to boost Vietnam...

    Mar 28, 2023  

  • Kangwon Land slot brand Manila office eyes SE Asia sales
    Kangwon Land slot brand Manila office...

    Mar 28, 2023  


Latest News

Pagcor chairman keynote speech at SiGMA Asia

Pagcor chairman keynote speech at SiGMA Asia

Mar 28, 2023  

Alejandro Tengco (pictured), chairman and chief executive of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (Pagcor), is to give the keynote speech for the opening of the SiGMA Asia conference for the...
Read More
3-month eVisa plan to boost Vietnam tourism: report

3-month eVisa plan to boost Vietnam tourism: report

Mar 28, 2023  

Kangwon Land slot brand Manila office eyes SE Asia sales

Kangwon Land slot brand Manila office eyes SE Asia sales

Mar 28, 2023  

Sign up to our FREE Newsletter

UB8V5.qr.16(Click here for more)

Pick of the Day

”The data and evidence on hand all point to the same conclusion: enough is enough. It is time to ban offshore gaming operations in the Philippines, once and for all”

Sherwin Gatchalian

Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means of the Senate of the Philippines



Most Popular

  • Raffles hotel checks complete at Galaxy Phase 3: MGTORaffles hotel checks complete at Galaxy Phase 3: MGTO March 27, 2023
  • Melco’s Studio City has foreigner-only bet zone: checksMelco’s Studio City has foreigner-only bet zone: checks March 27, 2023
  • Foreigners can use HK-Macau free ticket says tourism bossForeigners can use HK-Macau free ticket says tourism boss March 27, 2023
  • Philippine lawmaker wants POGOs shut within 3 monthsPhilippine lawmaker wants POGOs shut within 3 months March 27, 2023
  • Macau diversification into non-gaming to remain slow: FitchMacau diversification into non-gaming to remain slow: Fitch March 24, 2023
Copyright 2014-2023 TEAM Publishing and Consultancy Ltd / All rights reserved
  • Code of Ethics
  • Privacy Policy
  • Useful Links
  • Contact Us