24,000 Foreign Workers Exit Philippines After Online Gambling Ban
Approximately 24,000 foreign workers have departed the Philippines following the government's ban on online casinos, which primarily catered to overseas customers. The Bureau of Immigration reported that these foreign employees were instructed to exit the country as a result of the policy shift.
In July, the Philippine government mandated the closure of all online casino operators by the end of the year, responding to criticism that the industry was associated with various criminal activities. One of the largest hubs for online gambling, Island Cove in Cavite Province, was shut down on December 17. At its peak, this 33-hectare facility employed around 30,000 workers.
Online gaming operators were initially granted licenses in 2016 during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte. These casinos primarily targeted Chinese customers, leading to a significant influx of Chinese workers into the country. However, the number of licensed operators has dwindled; at their peak, there were around 300 operators, but many were forced to relocate or operate underground due to the pandemic and stricter tax regulations. As of July, only 42 firms remained operational with licenses, employing approximately 63,000 Filipino and foreign workers combined.
Despite the challenges faced by the online gambling sector, the Philippine gambling industry's revenue is projected to reach a record of over 350 billion pesos (approximately $6.03 billion) this year, driven largely by growth in the electronic gaming sector, according to government data. The exit of foreign workers marks a significant shift in the landscape of the online gambling industry in the Philippines, reflecting the broader implications of the government's regulatory changes.
