The Philippine gambling industry is undergoing a reshuffle, with an uncertain future ahead.
The gambling situation in Southeast Asia is severe, and finding new opportunities is urgent.
Historical review: How has the gambling industry responded to challenges and changes?
Since the Philippines imposed strict regulations and bans on offshore gambling, a sense of unease has spread within the industry. Many are fearful about the future, unsure if they will be affected, with the situation indeed being very serious. Numerous gambling operations have shut down, many underground activities have been cracked down on, and all signs indicate that everyone should remain vigilant for at least the next six months.
No matter what everyone thinks, the gambling industry is definitely undergoing a thorough reshuffle. Whether it's POGO employees facing visa downgrades or the revocation of licenses, it suggests that currently, no gambling company can survive in the Philippines, yet there is still anticipation. Why is that?
Let's turn back the timeline to 2016, the crackdown in Clark, checking work visas, and licenses. The Philippine government repeatedly raided industries similar to industrial parks, ending up with a mess. The issue with work visas led to many people returning to their home countries, and small companies struggled to find staff, which led to a crazy recruitment drive into the Philippines after 2017.
The next step, a familiar feeling arrives. When the new gambling license system was implemented, the POGO management system came out, and new companies started one after another, creating another era of prosperity. Large companies obtained licenses, and small companies affiliated themselves, thriving despite strict internet regulations in mainland China.
Looking at history, this ban is likely just another sweep by the Philippine government against gambling enterprises. With new policies, both large and small gambling companies will sprout like bamboo shoots after rain.
If the situation does not follow historical patterns and the Philippines decides to cut off gambling, where would be a better place for the future of gambling?
1. Other places in Southeast Asia
In Southeast Asia, aside from the Philippines, finding other suitable offshore gambling locations is not easy. Cambodia, although legal, has concerning security situations; gambling in Thailand is illegal, Indonesia has anti-gambling tendencies, and security is not high; Laos is very close to China, still posing risks; Myanmar is undergoing a civil war, with unstable conditions; Malaysia's gambling industry is only open to specific development projects, and offshore gambling in Singapore is illegal and strictly regulated. These countries are not ideal choices.
2. Legal gambling zones in Europe
In Europe, Malta is well-known as a legal gambling haven, with only a 12-hour time difference from China, making it very suitable for operations; the Isle of Man is also a registration place for many gambling companies, close to the UK, with a pleasant climate and environment.
3. Island nations in Central America
In Central America, several island nations are willing to attract foreign investment and issue gambling licenses, but the geographical distance is far, and language and dietary habits might also be barriers. Although there are opportunities, many challenges need to be overcome.
We may not need to be overly pessimistic about withdrawing from the Philippines. However, as the old saying goes, "A person without foresight will find trouble at his doorstep." In this uncertain environment, many factors are beyond our control, especially with the Philippines' fickle treatment of the gambling industry. What we can do is try to minimize potential risks and protect our interests.
Finally, a question for everyone, do you think the Philippine ban on the gambling industry will ultimately lead to a complete prohibition, or will new laws and licenses be issued to further regulate it?
