Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators ordered to temporarily shut down all operations as of today

After it first seemed that POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) will be allowed to keep a minimum number of workers in their workplace, Philippines gaming regulator PAGCOR has now expanded the suspension of all gaming operations to cover the entire nation including online casinos.

As the Philippine government imposes more drastic measures to contain the spread of the COVID-19, POGO companies are included in the suspension and are to remain closed until further notice. This expansion came after the?Inter-agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) clarifying that POGOs are not among entities covered by the exemption provided to Business Process Outsourcing establishments.

First it was announced that POGOs will be treated like other Business Process Outsourcing establishments and export oriented industries that can still keep a so called skeletal workforce of 25% ?for basic operations. They must observe strict “social distancing measure,” and provide temporary accommodation arrangements to their workers within 24 hours.

On Tuesday night, cabinet secretary Karlo Nograles said ‘Philippine offshore gaming operators shall not be included in those establishments allowed to operate for the duration of the enhanced community quarantine.’

The whole island of Luzon, was placed under an enhanced community quarantine which means strict home confinement in all households, suspension of transportation lines, regulation of provision for food and essential health services, and heightened presence of uniformed personnel to enforce isolation procedures.

SiGMA reached out to a number of operators based in Manila, most of whom are adapting well to the situation, equipping employees with the right facilities to run the business remotely from home.

About SiGMA Expo:

The iGaming summit SiGMA is setting its sights on Asia. Our ground breaking Asian iGaming expo will be held in Manila, on the 8th & 9th of June 2020. SiGMA’s largest venue to date will bring together high quality conferences and content, premium networking opportunities, and luxury networking event. 10,000 delegates from across Europe, the US, and Asia are expected to attend, making this one of the biggest shows to unite East and West in the region.? To become a part of the fastest paced Asian iGaming event, book a pass or sponsor & exhibit.

For those planning to attend SiGMA Manila, AIBC Manila and ICE Asia at SMX on June 8-9th, this is the buzzing business environment to be expected: