Despite a number of controversies pre-COVID-19, POGOs are set to resume normal operations once the enhanced community quarantine is lifted

In mid-March Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) ordered the suspension of all casino and other gaming operations in Metro Manila amid the increasing threat of COVID-19 in the country. The provision was part of the guidelines enumerated by Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles. Until now there was no known date when operations would resume.?

Yesterday Undersecretary Dominique Tutay of the Philippines Labor department stated in an interview that Philippine offshore gaming operators were expected to resume their regular operations in May when the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Luzon is planned to be lifted. Tutay added “POGOs will continue as long they are allowed by law. We will just continue our initiative to regulate and ensure that these firms are compliant with labor and immigration laws as well as payment of taxes.”??

Recently, the operation of POGOs in the country has become controversial.??

Senator Risa Hontiveros had alleged that illegal recruitment, illegal detention, and sexual harassment are rampant in the POGO industry. Meetings on resolving the concerns and irregularities surrounding POGOs were supposed to be held in March, but these were cut short by the ECQ.?

Nevertheless, the gaming operators bring in a lot of revenues for the country. As we recently reported PAGCOR hasalready??donated?more than 50 Million USD in fight against Covid 19.??

About SiGMA Expo:

In order to bring key players of global iGaming and emerging tech sectors together, SiGMA Group will host an online conference in partnership with ICE Asia, taking place on June 8-10th, 2020. Register for free?here.?SiGMA Manila?will be now held on the 27th and 28th of May 2021. To become a part of the fastest paced Asian iGaming event,?book a pass?or?sponsor & exhibit?here. SiGMA Group will also bring together operators, suppliers, and affiliates, facilitating new business opportunities for both existing and emerging markets at their signature show happening in?Malta?on November 17-19th, 2020. Book a?pass?or?sponsor and exhibit?for SiGMA Malta now.

For those planning to attend the summits this is the buzzing business environment to be expected: