As of March 2026, the Philippine gaming industry is undergoing a historic transformation. Following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s total ban on offshore gaming (POGO/IGL), the industry’s focus has shifted decisively toward regulated local e-gaming and the privatization of state-run casinos.

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1. Full Enforcement of the POGO/IGL Ban

March 2026 marks the final deadline for the total phase-out of offshore gaming operations in the Philippines. The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have launched intensive nationwide operations to shut down remaining entities.

• Key Update: The BIR has begun final tax audits on operators with revoked licenses, while inter-agency task forces continue to crack down on illegal hubs disguised as “Business Process Outsourcing” (BPO) firms.
• Source: BIR enforces ban on POGOs, ending controversial industry | Bilyonaryo News Channel (March 21, 2026)

2. The “Alice Guo 2.0” Case and POGO Links

While former Mayor Alice Guo (Guo Huaping) was sentenced in 2025, March 2026 saw new developments in the investigation into her remaining networks.

• Key Update: On March 9, the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights held a hearing regarding the “Alice Guo 2.0” case involving Joseph Sy, centered on the abuse of government IDs and money laundering through illegal gaming. Additionally, on March 27, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) captured a Chinese fugitive in Makati linked to the original Guo operations.
• Source: Senate hearing on the case of ‘Alice Guo 2.0’ Joseph Sy | INQUIRER.net (March 9, 2026); Arrested Chinese fugitive in Makati over POGO ops related to Alice Guo | BI (March 27, 2026)

3. PAGCOR Privatization and Casino Closures

To transition into a purely regulatory body, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has accelerated the privatization of its Casino Filipino branches.

• Key Update: PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco confirmed the closure of two unprofitable casinos in March to streamline operations ahead of the full asset sale expected by late 2026 or early 2027. This privatization is projected to generate between 30 billion to 50 billion pesos for the government.
• Source: Pagcor shutters 2 unprofitable casinos ahead of 2026 asset privatization | InsiderPH (March 6, 2026)

4. The Rise of E-Gaming: DigiPlus and Manny Pacquiao

As offshore gaming fades, the compliant domestic online gaming and e-sports market is becoming the new industry leader.

• Key Update: On March 26, boxing legend Manny Pacquiao announced a major partnership with gaming giant DigiPlus (formerly Leisure & Resorts World Corp), covering games, sports betting, and digital payments. DigiPlus was also recognized this month as the top “Growth Champion” in the Philippines for 2026.
• Source: Manny Pacquiao and DigiPlus partner across games, sportsbook and payments | AGB (March 26, 2026) (Reflecting late March updates)

5. Land-Based Casino Performance: Okada Manila

• Key Update: Financial reports released in mid-March showed that Okada Manila experienced a significant drop in Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)—roughly 20%—over the past year. This decline reflects the “growing pains” of Entertainment City as it adjusts to the loss of the high-net-worth junket ecosystem previously supported by POGOs.
• Source: Philippine gaming market pressures hit Okada Manila | Asia Gaming Brief (March 2026)