Are Pogos in the Philippines evading ban by ‘rebranding’ through corruption?

The industry is operated by criminal elements who are used to moving around while running its operations, said Alvin Camba, a research adviser at Associated Universities Incorporated, who has studied Chinese investments in Southeast Asia.

“I anticipate that a significant number will depart. Some companies will bear the brunt of government shutdowns. The more well-connected firms, however, will likely be spared from this situation,” Camba told This Week in Asia.

As of September 24, nearly 6,000 visas of Pogo workers have been downgraded, according to BI.

Pogos are Philippines-based online gambling firms that cater mostly to customers from mainland China, where gambling is illegal.