PAGCOR has announced that it released a total of 40 new licenses to offshore gaming operators. From being called POGOs or Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, they are now rebranded as IGLs or Internet Gaming Licensees.

POGOs or IGLs have been the center of many controversies in the country. A hot topic right now actually circles around POGO as there is an on-going senate probe vs Mayor Alice Guo of Bamban, Tarlac as the LGU head is alleged to be linked to illegal POGOs.

Further, PAGCOR stated that the gaming industry in 2023 has surpassed revenues of PHP 285.27 Billion which has surpassed pre-pandemic levels. Yet the revenue brought to the government was only approximately 4% of that or PHP 3.15 Billion.

If VAT is at 12%, corporate taxes are at 25%, income taxes as high as 35%, why is the gaming industry getting a mere 4%?

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