PAGCOR: POGO Reopening Is Fake News

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has warned the public against false claims that licenses for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) are being processed.

Any text messages or letters promising POGO slots to PAGCOR are to be reported to the police, or other law enforcement agencies, as they are scams. I Photo: Jidanni Wikimedia Commons

PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro H. Tengco cautioned the public against letters and text messages circulating from fraudulent parties claiming that POGOs will be reopened.

“It has come to our attention that some individuals are enticing potential investors to pay large sums for supposed limited POGO license slots, falsely claiming that POGOs will operate directly under PAGCOR,” he said.

“There is absolutely no truth to this,” Tengco emphasized. “POGOs remain banned, and there are no plans to reinstate them—now or in the foreseeable future.”

He urged the public to report any text messages or letters promising POGO slots to PAGCOR, the police, or other law enforcement agencies, as they are scams.

Tengco also revealed that scammers are demanding up to ₱50 million from would-be investors, allegedly for legal fees, consultation, and assessments to secure a POGO license.

“We reiterate: POGOs will not reopen during the term of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and PAGCOR is not entertaining and will not entertain any applications,” he added.