As the Philippine government continues to strengthen regulation, the once thriving offshore gaming operator (POGO) industry is undergoing structural adjustments. The gaming parks that were once scattered across Manila are now closing down, and a large number of Chinese practitioners are facing career transitions. Tighter regulations, stricter visa scrutiny, and restrictions on capital flows have brought this industry, which once relied on a "gray area," to an end. Practitioners have shifted from their initial dreams of quick wealth to having to replan their career paths, reflecting the profound changes in the Philippine gaming industry.
The Rise and Decline of the POGO Industry
Around 2019, the Philippine POGO industry entered a rapid development phase. Gaming parks in Makati, Clark, and other places gathered a large number of Chinese employees, generating considerable revenue through online gaming businesses. The parks had complete accommodation and work facilities, forming a relatively closed operating system. Most employees entered the country on tourist visas, working in gaming promotion under the guise of "customer service" or "technical" roles. At the height of the industry, individual parks had monthly turnovers of millions of dollars, becoming an important source of local income.
The Impact of Regulatory Policies
Since 2023, the Philippine government has intensified its crackdown on the POGO industry. The immigration bureau has strengthened visa reviews, the central bank has strictly monitored capital flows, and law enforcement agencies have conducted multiple joint raids. These measures have led to the closure of many gaming parks, the invalidation of employee visas, and the freezing of bank accounts. Incomplete statistics indicate that in the Manila area alone, more than a hundred POGO-related businesses have ceased operations, affecting tens of thousands of Chinese practitioners who are forced to seek new employment opportunities.
The Transformation and Future of Practitioners
Facing industry changes, former POGO employees are actively seeking transformation. Some choose to return to their home countries to engage in industries such as ride-hailing and e-commerce; others turn to other Southeast Asian countries to continue related industries; and some begin to try legitimate cross-border e-commerce and tourism services. Although this transformation process is challenging, it prompts practitioners to reevaluate the sustainability of their career planning and explore more robust development paths.
Industry Prospects and Insights
The adjustment of the Philippine POGO industry signals that the global offshore gaming market is entering a new development stage. The trend of stricter regulations worldwide is inevitable, and compliant operations and legal employment will become the mainstream of the industry. Although this change brings pain, it is beneficial in establishing a healthy and orderly market environment. For practitioners, this is also an opportunity to replan their careers, pushing them towards more sustainable directions.
