Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – It turns out that the online gambling emergency is not only experienced by Indonesia. The neighboring country, the Philippines, is also struggling against the circulation of illegal gambling.
For your information, the Philippines actually allows online gambling businesses, unlike in Indonesia. However, many online gambling firms from China run business without a license in that country.
Because, China also does not allow the practice of online gambling in its country like in Indonesia. Chinese criminal syndicates end up illegally using the Philippines to run business.
Around 250-300 Chinese offshore firms are secretly operating in the Philippines without a license, quoted by Reuters, Friday (14/6/2024).
That figure is 6 times more than the 46 legal online gambling businesses in the Philippines, according to local regulators.
“Together with the police, we will look for these illegal operators and block them,” said Alejandro Tengco, Director of the Philippine Institute for Entertainment and Gaming (PAGCOR).
The online gaming industry has grown rapidly in the Philippines since 2016. Many online gambling game operators have taken advantage of the relaxed regulations in the country to target the Chinese community.
At its peak, offshore online gambling operators in the Philippines once numbered 300, employing more than 300,000 Chinese people. However, since the pandemic, tax policies have been tightened. As a result, many businesses carry out their operations secretly.
The search for illegal online gambling businesses in the Philippines is due to the many problems that occur. These include human trafficking, torture, kidnapping, credit card fraud and fraudulent crypto investments.
Last March, the local government rescued more than 800 illegal workers. They include Filipino and Chinese nationals, according to local media reports.
“We must stop this criminal syndicate because it weakens our economy and creates a corrupt society,” said Defense Minister Gilbert Teodoro, in his official statement.
[Gambas:Video CNBC]
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