Philippine President Shuts Down China-Centric Casinos Backed by Predecessor

(Bloomberg) — Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has outlawed online casinos catering to Chinese gamblers, responding to calls to shut down an industry that he said stoked crimes including money laundering.

“Effective today, all POGOs are banned,” Marcos said during his annual address to lawmakers on Monday, referring to Philippine offshore gaming operators. He instructed the gaming regulator to wind down and close these facilities by the end of the year. He also directed economic managers to find new jobs for employees who will be displaced.