The Philippine government has recently intensified its efforts to crack down on illegal online casinos operating within the country. According to a report by The Manila Times, a total of 58 illegal online casinos are currently under surveillance by government authorities.
The crackdown on these illegal online casinos comes as part of the government’s efforts to regulate the online gambling industry in the Philippines. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has been given the mandate to oversee all forms of gambling in the country, including online casinos.
According to PAGCOR, the illegal online casinos are operating without the necessary permits and licenses, and are therefore in violation of Philippine gambling laws. These illegal operators are also reportedly evading taxes, depriving the government of much-needed revenue.
In order to monitor these illegal online casinos, PAGCOR has set up a task force composed of representatives from various government agencies, including the Philippine National Police and the Department of Justice. The task force is tasked with investigating and identifying the operators of these illegal online casinos, as well as tracking down their assets and shutting down their operations.
PAGCOR has warned that operators of illegal online casinos will face stiff penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and the confiscation of their assets. The crackdown on illegal online casinos is part of a larger effort by the Philippine government to stamp out illegal gambling activities in the country.
In a statement, PAGCOR Chairman Andrea Domingo emphasized the importance of regulating the online gambling industry in order to protect consumers and prevent criminal activities such as money laundering. Domingo also urged the public to report any suspicious online gambling activities to authorities.
As the government steps up its monitoring of illegal online casinos, it is expected that more operators will be targeted and shut down in the coming months. The crackdown on illegal online casinos is a positive development for the Philippine gambling industry, as it will help to eliminate unscrupulous operators and ensure a level playing field for legitimate online casinos.