Philippines: Adopted Executive Order No. 74 on Immediate Ban of Philippine Offshore Gaming, Internet Gaming, and Other Offshore Gaming Operations

On 5 November 2024, the President of the Philippines issued Executive Order No. 74, an Immediate Ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming, Internet Gaming, and Other Offshore Gaming Operations in the Philippines and for Other Purposes. The order prohibits the issuance of new licences and the renewal of existing permits for POGOs and related operations. All such operations must cease by 31 December 2024. The Order establishes Technical Working Groups (TWGs) to manage the transition and mitigate the impact of the ban, particularly on affected workers. These groups will oversee employment recovery, reintegration, and the closure of illegal offshore gaming operations. National government agencies, including law enforcement, will be tasked to address illegal gaming, while local government units and the private sector are encouraged to support the enforcement of the ban. The ban aims to address concerns regarding national security, public safety, and the negative social impacts associated with offshore gaming, such as crime and money laundering.