PAGCOR reveals tough new ‘offshore’ online gambling licensing plans

The Philippines’ gaming regulator has released more details on its plan to license ‘offshore’ online gambling operators, and operators probably aren’t going to like them.

In August, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (PAGCOR) announced that it planned to begin licensing online gambling operators. On Wednesday, PAGCOR announced that it would soon start accepting letters of intent from companies looking to acquire an ‘offshore’ online casino or sports betting license.

Under PAGCOR’s plan, companies looking to become an officially licensed Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) must strictly observe existing rules on not accepting Philippine customers, be they at home or abroad. Foreign nationals visiting the Philippines are also out of bounds.

But the most problematic item on the prohibited list is accepting wagers from “individuals in countries which have laws prohibiting participation of their citizens in online gaming activities.” Which pretty much rules out 99% of Asia. Thud.