The gambling regulator in the Philippines has slammed rumors that POGOs will soon be relaunching, claiming that these claims are false and that unscrupulous parties are trying to scam people. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

The Philippines’ gaming regulator has denied rumors that Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) will be relaunching following their ban last month.

PAGCOR said that “unscrupulous parties” are behind these messages, trying to attract investors into giving them money to get a supposed new POGO license.

looking for as much as ₱50m (US$852,726) from investors

Some of these people were allegedly looking for as much as ₱50m (US$852,726) to cover supposed consultations, legal fees, and other expenses.

PAGCOR CEO and Chairman Alejandro Tengco said the rumors are untrue and that there is no plan to relaunch POGOs for the foreseeable future. He also urged people to report any messages claiming otherwise to law enforcement or PAGCOR so they can deal with the scammers.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the ban on POGOs despite the significant tax revenue they generated, announcing in July that a blanket ban would take effect on January 1, 2025. Many of these operations had links to organized crime, often engaging in scams and having people work at their facilities against their will.