Philippines opens doors to online gambling operators targeting overseas punters

Amid its crackdown on gambling operations that cater to the economically vulnerable portion of the country, the Philippines is now punting on international-facing operators as a new revenue source.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte made headlines when he vowed to stop online gambling in the country—a surprise announcement that left the industry and even state-run Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) unsure on what “online” gambling activities the president was out to close.

The government’s gambling crackdown has already caused one firm to shut down, and to offset the losses it sustained, PAGCOR is opening its doors to casino and betting operators that target non-locals.

PAGCOR CEO Andrea Domingo revealed on Tuesday that the regulator is “readying application forms,” for the licenses that “would be issued for six months initially.”