Malacañang stated that President Marcos would not hesitate to ban Philippine inland gaming operators (PIGOs) if they began to show negative impacts similar to those of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).
Senate President Francis Escudero has called for a cost-benefit analysis of PIGO licenses, noting that these inland operators could pose similar issues as their offshore counterparts.
While PIGOs have not been linked to crimes, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro acknowledged that studies are ongoing to assess their effects.
Castro emphasized that PIGOs pay significant taxes and their advertising revenue stays within the country, unlike POGOs.
However, the government remains open to a ban if the operators cause social harm like POGOs.
Source: PhilNews24 | March 7, 2025
