Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 4) – Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) are now prohibited in Valenzuela City, Mayor Wes Gatchalian announced on Tuesday.
New applications for Small Town Lottery (STL) and online gambling operations were also suspended under a city ordinance.
“Itong tatlong ordinances na ‘to [these three ordinances], first, is Ordinance No. 1105 disallowing the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations within the territorial jurisdiction of Valenzuela City,” Gatchalian told reporters.
“Number two is the Ordinance No. 2023-093 temporarily disallowing new applications of Small Town Lottery, E-games, E-sabong, E-bingo, online poker, anything online basically,” he added.
The suspension of new applications of STL will be effective for five years, Gatchalian said.
There are currently nine registered STL operators in the city, he added.
The mayor said all forms of illegal gambling are prohibited in Valenzuela under Ordinance No. 2023-092.
City Councilor Ricar Enriquez said those found violating the ordinances will pay a fine of ₱100,000 to ₱500,000 and face imprisonment of no more than a year.
Gatchalian said there are no registered POGO establishments in the city.
However, the ordinances were implemented as precautionary measures, and the local government is checking if there are illegal gambling operations in the city.
