Philippine legislators approve gaming bill to ban offshore operators
Philippine legislators have approved a House bill to institutionalize the ban on offshore gambling operators.
In November, Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marco Jr. issued an executive order to ban offshore gambling operators, but a Senate Committee report found that many criminal organizations linked to offshore gaming were still active. House Bill 109887 aims to institutionalize the ban and impose penalties on offenders.
The legislation, a consolidation of five similar bills, would allow violators of the ban to be imprisoned between four and six years. In addition, first-time offenders would face a fine of at least US$1,700 (PHP100,000 (US$1,720)1 PHP = 0.0172 USD
2025-02-07Powered by CMG CurrenShift). Those found to have violated the law a second time could face up to eight years in prison and a maximum fine of US$17,000 (PHP1 million (US$17,200)1 PHP = 0.0172 USD
2025-02-07Powered by CMG CurrenShift). Any subsequent offenses could result in up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to US$170,000 (PHP10 million (US$172,000)1 PHP = 0.0172 USD
2025-02-07Powered by CMG CurrenShift).
According to the Senate Committee report, criminal groups behind offshore gaming operations also are involved in human trafficking, financial crimes and threats to national security. It also found that casinos and integrated resorts had become hubs for offshore gambling operations.
Charlotte Capewell brings her passion for storytelling and expertise in writing, researching, and the gambling industry to every article she writes. Her specialties include the US gambling industry, regulator legislation, igaming, and more.
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