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Gaming License in the Philippines is Revoked
Please be advised: the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) license is no longer available. As of January 2025, the Philippine government has fully terminated the POGO licensing framework—no new applications are accepted, and existing licenses are not being renewed.
The Philippines once served as a key jurisdiction for foreign-facing online gambling operations across Asia. POGO licenses issued by PAGCOR enabled operators to serve international players with relative regulatory clarity. However, years of controversy, legal pressure, and enforcement challenges have led to a hard stop on offshore licensing.
If you were considering the Philippines for your gaming business, now is the time to explore active, compliant, and internationally respected alternatives. Options such as Isle of Man, Curaçao (Orange Seal), and Comoros offer regulatory continuity, brand credibility, and structured onboarding.
We break down what the POGO shutdown means, what remains of the Philippine gaming landscape, and what alternatives are best suited for your business model. You can also explore top-tier options here:
Subtype
PAGCOR
Jurisdiction
Philippines
Category
Gambling
Type
Gaming Licenses
Key Takeaways: What POGO Revocation Means for Operators
- POGO licenses were officially revoked as of December 15, 2024 — offshore gambling from the Philippines is no longer legal.
- PAGCOR stopped accepting applications or renewals, ending all offshore gaming authorizations.
- No transitional regime or appeal process is available — affected operators must exit or relocate.
- Land-based casinos remain legal under PAGCOR oversight, with license fees reduced from 35% to 30% of gross gaming revenue starting January 2025.
- PAGCOR will become a regulator-only body by 2025, exiting direct casino operations.
- Old POGO entities hold no active gaming rights and cannot be used to resume operations without full restructuring.
- Operators must seek licensing elsewhere — viable options include Isle of Man, Curaçao, and Comoros, each offering compliant structures.
- Legasset supports full transitions, including license acquisition, entity setup, and client migration to alternative jurisdictions.
What Happened to POGO Licenses?
In November 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order No. 74, immediately banning all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs) due to their involvement in severe criminal activities, including human trafficking, cryptocurrency scams, and large-scale money laundering.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) enforced this directive by revoking all POGO licenses effective December 15, 2024, ceasing both new issuances and renewals.
This decisive action was taken without provisions for transition or appeal, compelling operators to either cease operations or seek alternative jurisdictions immediately.
Can You Still Operate from the Philippines?
As of January 2025, the Philippine government has enforced a total ban on offshore gaming operations, including Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). This means that conducting international-facing online gambling activities from within the Philippines is illegal, with no legal framework supporting such operations.
- Land-Based Casinos: Domestic, land-based casino operations remain legal under the regulation of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). Effective January 1, 2025, PAGCOR has reduced license fees for brick-and-mortar casinos from 35% to 30% of gross gaming revenue (GGR). Integrated resorts involved in online gaming have their fees reduced to 25%.
- PAGCOR’s Transition: PAGCOR is in the process of transitioning to become a purely regulatory body by 2025, divesting its operational functions to focus solely on regulation.
- E-Games and Domestic Markets: Electronic gaming (e-games) targeting the domestic market continues to function legally under PAGCOR’s stringent oversight. To combat illegal gaming operations and encourage compliance, PAGCOR has reduced fee rates for e-games from 35% to 30%, effective January 1, 2025.
In summary offshore online gambling operations are prohibited in the Philippines as of 2025. However, land-based casinos and e-games serving the domestic market remain legal and operational, subject to PAGCOR’s regulations and adjusted fee structures.
Are Old POGO Companies Still Valuable?
Entities that previously held POGO licenses no longer have any legal right to operate. Their licenses were revoked by PAGCOR on December 15, 2024, and there is no reinstatement or grandfathering mechanism under current Philippine law.
Acquiring these companies does not grant gaming rights of any kind. Any POGO-linked entity that has not already ceased operations is now considered non-compliant if it engages in offshore gambling.
While these companies cannot be used for gaming, they may still hold value for non-licensed functions:
- Back-office operations
- Technical development hubs
- Customer support centers
- Corporate restructuring outside of gambling
However, this only applies if they are clean of liabilities and fully restructured. For most operators, the recommended course is full exit – either shutting down the entity or selling it for repurposing unrelated to gambling.
There are no shortcuts or legal workarounds to keep operating under the old regime. For those still seeking to stay in the industry, the next step is relocation to a compliant jurisdiction.
Viable Alternatives for Online Gaming Operators
With the POGO regime dismantled, operators must relocate to jurisdictions that offer active, respected gaming licenses. Below are three viable options our team recommends based on regulatory strength, setup time, and operational flexibility.
Isle of Man
The Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC) offers one of the most respected B2C and B2B gaming licenses worldwide. It’s trusted by banks, PSPs, and regulators across Europe and beyond.
- License type: Full iGaming license (casino, sportsbook, B2B, crypto-permitted)
- Regulatory reputation: Tier-1, with strong oversight and brand value
- Time to activate: 12–16 weeks, depending on capital, documents, and regulator review
- Licensing cost: From £35,000 initial + £5,000–£10,000 annually
- Banking access: Excellent — supports access to top-tier UK/EU banks
Best for established operators targeting licensed markets with long-term growth plans.
Our available ready-to-buy options can be found here.
Curaçao (Orange Seal)
Curaçao’s reformed Orange Seal license – available since 2023 – offers a legitimate path forward for operators needing to re-enter quickly but still meet rising compliance expectations.
- License type: B2C gaming license (casino, sportsbook, live dealer)
- Regulatory reputation: Moderate — now supervised by the Curaçao Gaming Authority
- Time to activate: 6–10 weeks, with full KYC, UBO vetting, and business plan review
- Licensing cost: Approx. €15,000 setup + €10,000–€20,000 annually
- Banking access: Improving — workable via fintech or local PSP partners
A realistic option for companies leaving POGO with limited lead time or needing speed and affordability.
Our available ready-to-buy options can be found here.
Comoros
The Comoros license is light, affordable, and widely used by gaming startups or firms in difficult markets. It provides basic regulatory coverage but is not recognized by Tier-1 banks.
- License type: Online gaming license with international scope
- Regulatory reputation: Low-profile — suitable for grey or emerging markets
- Time to activate: 2–3 weeks, assuming complete KYC and clean documentation
- Licensing cost: From $10,000–$15,000 annually, all-in
- Banking access: Limited — most operators use EMIs or crypto-friendly fintechs
Useful for operators needing immediate continuity or access to underserved markets.
Our available ready-to-buy options can be found here.
How Legasset Helps You Transition
Losing a POGO license doesn’t mean shutting down your business – it means relocating it to a safer, compliant jurisdiction. Our team works directly with operators affected by the revocation to build fully functional gaming structures from scratch.
Here’s how we support your transition:
1. Case-Based Onboarding
Every client comes with a different structure, market focus, and risk profile. We assess your existing setup and recommend the most suitable jurisdiction – Isle of Man, Curaçao, or Comoros – based on your budget, target region, and operational goals.
2. Full Entity Setup. We handle:
- Incorporation in the new jurisdiction
- Preparation of required corporate documents
- AML/KYC framework development
- Local representative appointments where required
Whether you need a clean new structure or want to migrate an existing team and platform, we tailor the process to your business.
3. Regulatory Compliance & License Filing. We manage the entire licensing process:
- Application preparation
- Source of funds and business plan review
- Liaison with local authorities
- Legal support during regulator interactions
We ensure all submissions meet jurisdictional standards, reducing back-and-forth and shortening approval time.
4. Banking & Payments. We assist in setting up EMI accounts, crypto-friendly bank solutions, and PSP integrations appropriate for your new license type. Jurisdictions like the Isle of Man allow access to high-quality EU/UK banks; for others, we source fintech partners.
5. Timeline Expectations:
- Comoros: 2–3 weeks
Fastest option, minimal regulator interaction if documentation is in order. - Curaçao (Orange Seal): 6–10 weeks
Since 2023 reforms, there’s real due diligence, UBO vetting, and background checks—especially with the Curaçao Gaming Authority now directly involved. - Isle of Man: 12–16 weeks
Expect a full regulatory review, interviews, and detailed AML scrutiny. Delays common if capital or business plan is incomplete.
Timelines depend on your readiness – especially documentation and capital.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
The Philippine government has shut the door on offshore online gambling. POGO licenses are gone for good – and there’s no path to revive them.
If you were relying on the Philippines as your base of operations, your next move needs to be strategic, fast, and compliant. There are still solid jurisdictions offering reliable licenses – but you need to act now.
- Let us help you relocate your operations legally and quickly.
- Book a call to evaluate the best license based on your target market and budget.
- We’ll handle the compliance. You focus on growth.
Do you need our help in choosing best option?
FAQ: POGO Ban and Your Next Move
Can I still buy or use a company that held a POGO license?
No. All POGO licenses were revoked as of December 15, 2024. These companies no longer hold any valid gaming rights. Buying one does not give you a license or a shortcut.
Is there any legal way to continue offshore gambling from the Philippines?
None. Offshore iGaming is now completely prohibited in the Philippines. There is no alternative license or transitional scheme.
Are land-based casinos still legal in the Philippines?
Yes. PAGCOR continues to regulate land-based operations. License fees were reduced to 30% of GGR (or 25% for integrated resorts) starting January 1, 2025.
What are the best jurisdictions to move my gaming business to?
We recommend:
- Isle of Man for Tier-1 compliance and banking access
- Curaçao (Orange Seal) for fast licensing under improved regulation
- Comoros for low-cost entry and flexible operations
