“We should review this,” Escudero said in a statement issued on 1 March. “Because the ill effects that we want to avoid are most likely present in PIGOs, which affect only Filipinos and not foreigners.”

He compared PIGOs (Philippine Inland Gaming Operations) to POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations). Last year, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr banned POGOs after they were linked to money laundering, human trafficking, prostitution and fraud.

POGOs targeted online casino customers in other countries, especially mainland China. PIGOs target players in the Philippines.

“I know PAGCOR earns a significant amount of money from this,” Escudero added, as quoted by the Philippine Daily Inquirer. “It’s a major source of revenue and income. However, if they were able to turn their backs from the substantial revenue and income from POGOs, there’s no reason they can’t do that for PIGOs. Especially if it is not doing any good to our fellow citizens.”

In the past, Escudero has sought a prohibition on all gambling in the Philippines. “Whether it’s POGO, PIGO or casinos — let’s ban them altogether if we truly believe they are harmful to our society.”

Regulate, don’t eliminate

A broad gambling ban is a remote outcome, said Unicapital Securities Equity Research Analyst Jeri R. Alfonso, in comments on Viber. PAGCOR now ranks as the Philippines’ “third-biggest revenue source after the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Bureau of Customs,” she said, as it provided PHP4.59 billion (£62.6 million/€75.6 million/$79.6 million) in cash dividends in 2024.

“Shutting down online gambling entirely would deal a heavy blow to government funds,” Alfonso continued. “In our view, a full-on ban is unlikely.”

China Bank Capital Managing Director Juan Paolo E. Colet agreed, saying a ban would “unduly deprive the government of billions of pesos in much-needed revenues.

“PAGCOR already has a suitable regulatory framework to make sure we have a viable gaming sector that meets sizable market demand and contributes significantly to the government’s social programs,” he wrote.

Without a legal option, Filipino gamblers could turn to the black market, “which would be worse for everyone,” he added. “The better approach is to regulate, not eliminate.”

Last month, Senator Risa Hontiveros called on the Marcos regime to suspend all online gambling due to concerns that POGO operators have infiltrated the domestic industry.

PAGCOR legalised PIGOs in 2018, two years after introducing POGOs.