PAGCOR Ends Offshore Gaming in Cavite

Imagine a bustling offshore gaming hub suddenly locked, silent, and sealed by government authority.
This dramatic PAGCOR POGO closure at Island Cove in Cavite shatters years of unrestrained Philippine offshore gaming.
Picture a fairer and more transparent industry, where Philippine gaming reforms safeguard both workers and investors.
Discover how these sweeping changes reshape a once-thriving marketplace, and prepare for a transformed gambling landscape.

Cavite’s Offshore Gaming Giant Falls: PAGCOR Crushes POGOs at Island Cove

3 Key Points:

1. The POGOs shutdown at Island Cove affects thousands of workers, once employed by Oriental Gaming Corporation.
2. The move aligns with President Marcos Jr’s pledge to end Philippine offshore gaming and restore industry integrity.
3. Displaced employees receive livelihood packages, job caravans, and zero-interest loans, aiding their transition.

The end of an era has arrived in Cavite, as the massive POGOs shutdown at Island Cove concludes. PAGCOR’s decisive action ensures that the once-thriving hub of Philippine offshore gaming now stands firmly closed. Visitors find no open doors, no bustling floors, and no hint of the thousands who once filled its offices.

For years, Island Cove represented the pinnacle of offshore gaming in the Philippines. At its height, this center employed about 30,000 people, all dedicated to servicing international online operators. Yet, change swept through the country’s gaming landscape. In July 2024, President Marcos Jr mandated the closure of all POGO operations by year’s end. As a result, the PAGCOR POGO closure in Cavite marks a significant milestone in these sweeping Philippine gaming reforms.

The compound’s scale was enormous. It encompassed 57 buildings spread across 33 hectares. These were not just offices. There were sprawling dormitories, vibrant cafés, convenient grocery stores, and well-equipped clinics. Workers found restaurants, gaming hubs, spas, and even beauty salons within the property’s boundaries. Yet today, those doors remain locked. The once lively environment has vanished, replaced by a stark reminder of the government’s unwavering stance.

President Marcos Jr has championed a vision of a reformed gaming industry. He tied Covid relief measures to strict conditions, including the necessity to eliminate offshore gaming. This stance reflected both social and economic concerns. Authorities aimed to curb alleged criminal activities, safeguard player interests, and restore faith in the regulatory framework.

The closure process proceeded methodically. PAGCOR, under Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco, coordinated with various agencies. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) assisted in downgrading employment visas. This careful approach ensured a stable transition for displaced workers. Indeed, thousands now face uncertain futures. However, the government promises livelihood packages, zero-interest loans, and job caravans to support these individuals as they adapt.

Critics wonder if the shutdown was too abrupt, but officials emphasize the importance of compliance. Oriental Gaming Corporation owned and operated Island Cove’s hub. According to PAGCOR, the company followed directives and avoided violations. The swift compliance demonstrates that even large operators recognized the government’s resolve.

Elsewhere in the country, other POGO sites prepare to shut down. Each closure signifies a broader shift in policy. The Philippines aims to rehabilitate its global image as a responsible gaming jurisdiction. Operators must now face tighter regulations, stricter licensing, and closer supervision. Through these efforts, the government aspires to protect both players and employees, ensuring a stable industry in the long run.

Moreover, international observers watch these developments closely. They see a nation determined to change, willing to sacrifice immediate revenue for long-term credibility. This bold decision could reshape how investors, analysts, and the public perceive Philippine gaming. While the transition will not occur overnight, the promise of a more transparent and trusted industry can attract higher-quality operators and sustainable growth.

The PAGCOR POGO closure at Island Cove marks a turning point in the Philippines’ gaming narrative. By shutting down this once-grand offshore hub, the government reaffirms its commitment to ethical standards, worker protection, and global credibility. As displaced workers navigate new opportunities and operators adjust their strategies, the Philippines stands poised to unveil a reformed gaming landscape defined by integrity, fairness, and responsible oversight.