Ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have committed to intensifying efforts to combat illegal online gambling and its associated crimes, a growing threat exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meeting in Langkawi on January 19, officials also welcomed Beijing’s offer to support regional initiatives against cybercrime.
Illegal online gambling has flourished in Southeast Asia, often targeting the Chinese mainland, where gambling is banned. ASEAN representatives reaffirmed their determination to crack down on related transnational crimes, including human trafficking, money laundering, and online scams.
“We touched on how best we can strengthen the ASEAN family,” said Malaysian minister and conference chair Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. “Looking at the current geopolitical and geoeconomic situation around the world, I believe it would be a missed opportunity if ASEAN doesn’t come together.”
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi pledged Beijing’s assistance, urging ASEAN countries to “decisively tackle these crimes.”
A 2024 report from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) highlighted the “severe risk” posed by illegal online gambling to Southeast Asia, citing its transnational nature, lax national governance, and fragmented regulations within ASEAN.
Illegal operations are often linked to money laundering, cybercrime, and human trafficking. The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) reported that trafficked workers are frequently deceived by fraudulent job offers and forced to run online scams under prison-like conditions. Workers risk beatings or worse for failing to meet quotas, while victims of scams span the region and beyond.
In the Philippines, the rise of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) under former President Rodrigo Duterte was seen as an economic boon post-pandemic. However, the industry became synonymous with cyberfraud, kidnappings, and torture, leading President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ban POGOs in 2024.
Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos have also become hotspots for illegal online gambling. Vacant hotels and casinos have been converted into scam hubs, particularly in special economic zones such as Myanmar’s Golden Triangle, where operations are often protected by the military or proxies.
ASEAN is forming a working group to address money laundering and a computer emergency response team (CERT) based in Singapore to strengthen cybersecurity coordination. Member states will share CERT-related information to better neutralize online threats.
