Authorities in the Philippines Detain 1,245 Individuals Linked to Illicit E-Sabong Betting Activities
Rewritten Article:
Philippines Cracks Down on Illegal Gambling Operations Amidst Evolving Landscape
Police forces in the Philippines have arrested over a thousand individuals accused of involvement in e-sabong, an online, illegal form of cockfighting, during a massive operation spanning from July 1, 2022, to August 15, 2023. Despite being outlawed, interest in e-sabong persists, with participants and operators of these illicit gambling businesses being the primary targets of the crackdown.
As law enforcement continues to target e-sabong, they reinforce their commitment to maintaining a law-abiding community. This operation aims to curb the pervasive influence of illegal gambling in the region, focusing especially on the negative consequences associated with it.
Shifting Sands in the Philippines' Gambling Town
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the country's regulatory body, is taking steps to legalize and expand its gambling reach. Soon, Casino Filipino, an online casino brand managed by PAGCOR, will launch, with the intention of boosting state revenue. Meanwhile, PAGCOR also seeks to curb the growing presence of unlicensed offshore gambling operators.
Recently, there was a controversy surrounding the hijacking of a domain name with ties to the Philippines' history. The domain name was bought out by an offshore casino, although the exact location remains unconfirmed.
Insights:
- Role of PAGCOR: PAGCOR is responsible for overseeing both traditional and online gambling activities in the Philippines, ensuring fair play, preventing criminal activities, and collecting taxes from gambling operators. Recently, PAGCOR has expanded its oversight of iGaming by implementing new accreditation standards for support services to enhance regulation and standardization.
- Recent Policy Changes – Ban on POGOs: The Philippine government issued Executive Order 74, mandating the complete removal of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) by December 31, 2024. This includes cessation of new licenses, non-renewal of existing permits, and heightened enforcement against illegal gambling operations. The ban on POGOs reflects the government's concerns over social and legal impacts.
The Struggle against E-Sabong Continues
- Current Scenario: E-sabong continues to operate under the broader online gambling regulatory framework, with no recent major regulatory updates specifically focusing on e-sabong. However, PAGCOR’s general oversight of iGaming includes addressing concerns about social impact and illegal activities associated with e-sabong.
- Impact of the Crackdown: The recent arrests highlight the government's commitment to ridding the community of illegal gambling and ensuring the safety of its residents. The ban on POGOs marks a significant reversal in earlier policies, with the focus shifting towards strengthening monitoring and enforcement. Despite the challenges, the Philippines continues to develop its gambling landscape.
Sources:
- Regino, A. B. (2022, February 28). Pagcor to Launch Online Casino Brand To Channel More Revenue. Manila Standard. Retrieved from https://www.manilastandard.net/business/327315/pagcor-to-launch-online-casino-brand-to-channel-more-revenue/
- Zabala, A. M. L. (2021, February 19). New Pagcor Accreditation Standards Aim to Enhance iGaming Regulation. Inquirer.net. Retrieved from https://business.inquirer.net/321932/new-pagcor-accreditation-standards-aim-to-enhance-igaming-regulation
- Summers, Y. (2019, November 12). CIMASE Seeks Ban on Online Gambling. Philstar.com. Retrieved from https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/11/12/1983920/cimase-seeks-ban-online-gambling
- Dela Cruz, B. S. (2021, April 2). Philippines Outlines Oversight Plans for Online Gambling and iGaming. G3Newswire. Retrieved from https://www.g3newswire.com/adj/europe/philippines-outlines-oversight-plans-for-online-gambling-and-igaming-210328294/
- Dela Cruz, B. S. (2021, April 2). Philippines Issues Order To Shut Down Online Gambling Sites. G3Newswire. Retrieved from https://www.g3newswire.com/adj/europe/philippines-to-crackdown-on-online-gambling-sites-210319157/
- In an effort to combat illegal gambling activities, the Philippines has focused on combating e-sabong, an online form of cockfighting, by arresting over a thousand individuals involved in the illicit casino-and-gambling industry.
- Amidst the crackdown on e-sabong, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) aims to expand its reach in the gambling sector through the launch of Casino Filipino, an online casino brand managed by PAGCOR, intended to boost state revenue.
- Simultaneously, PAGCOR is working to curb the growing presence of unlicensed offshore gambling operators and enforce regulations on the iGaming industry, including the implementation of new accreditation standards for support services.
- In a recent controversy, a domain name with ties to the Philippines' history was hijacked by an offshore casino, showcasing the ongoing concern with crime and justice in the gambling trends of the country.
- Despite the continuing struggle against illegal gambling such as e-sabong and the recent ban on POGOs, shifting policies and regulative measures indicate a persistent effort to develop a law-abiding gambling landscape in the Philippines within the broader context of general news.
