The Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ) has warned that illegal offshore gaming operations could resurge despite the nationwide ban, as operators move into smaller premises to avoid detection. Authorities are now targeting the security arrangements, immigration loopholes, and property leases that allow these businesses to continue operating.
Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty said enforcement actions had successfully dismantled large gaming compounds consisting of multiple buildings. Nonetheless, the closure of those sites does not imply that business has stopped. Instead, some have divided their operations into decentralized systems, including those operating within single rooms in residential areas.
Smaller Premises Make Detection More Difficult
The nationwide prohibition is codified under the Anti-POGO Act of 2025. Even with the ban in place, according to the DOJ, illegal operators have modified their methods in order to stay clear of the large compounds that have been previously targeted by raids in the past.
Most recently, raids have revealed small-scale businesses, even those operating within a single room of a residential property. These businesses show how companies have shifted their method, by replacing the large compounds where their activities used to operate. Instead of collapsing under the weight of the presidential ban, most syndicates have broken down into small cells sharing infrastructures. In this decentralized system, they become harder to recognize using the usual methods of regulatory surveillance and standard police raids.
The DOJ’s warning concerns both the continued operation of these businesses and the possibility of a resurgence. While major compounds have been dismantled, the smaller sites allow illegal activity to persist in locations that are less visible to authorities.
Immigration Loopholes Under Scrutiny
According to Ty, recent raids have found operations primarily run by Chinese nationals who entered the Philippines through visa loopholes or remained after their permits expired. Immigration oversight forms part of the government’s effort to address the continued presence of these operators.
Authorities have increased their efforts in monitoring the immigration arrangements, as well as the premises involved in illegal gambling operations. The strategy involves more than shutting down the illegal establishments; it also focuses on addressing the resources that allow non-compliant organizations to operate.
The reported use of visa loopholes and overstayed permits is among the issues identified as operators shift into smaller locations. These immigration concerns sit alongside the security and leasing arrangements now being examined by the government.
Dismissed Personnel Investigated Over Security Roles
The Department of Interior and Local Government and the Philippine National Police are pursuing dismissed police and military personnel allegedly hired to protect clandestine operations.
Authorities are investigating claims that these individuals have been engaged as private security to shield the sites from inspections. Their alleged involvement places the security networks supporting illegal operators within the scope of enforcement efforts.
The personnel under scrutiny are described as dismissed members of the police and military. The allegations concern their work for the clandestine businesses, particularly arrangements intended to prevent inspections of the smaller premises.
Landlords Face Potential Liability and Asset Seizures
Property leasing is another focus of the government’s response. Commercial landlords and property managers who knowingly provide space to unauthorised online gaming or scam operations may face legal liabilities under applicable anti-trafficking laws.
Potential consequences include asset seizures. The warning applies to those who knowingly lease premises for these activities, placing scrutiny on property arrangements as well as the operators using the space.
