Philippines orders closure of 175 Chinese offshore gambling operators

MANILA, Philippines: The justice ministry in Manila said it would close 175 Chinese-owned Philippine offshore gambling operators and deport some 40,000 Chinese workers as part of a crackdown on the online gaming industry.

The online industry in the Philippines grew rapidly in 2016 as operators capitalized on Philippine's liberal gaming laws to target customers in China, where gambling is banned.

Before the COVID-19 epidemic and higher taxes forced many to operate elsewhere, Philippine offshore gambling operators employed more than 300,000 Chinese workers at their peak.

Justice ministry spokeswoman Jose Dominic Clavano said that the crackdown was triggered by reports of murder, kidnapping and other crimes committed by Chinese nationals against fellow Chinese nationals.

Clavano said that the offshore gambling operators targeted for closure had soon-to- expire or expired operating licenses.

The offshore gambling operators generated $122.21 million in fees alone, and larger amounts are being spent on taxes, workers' spending and office rentals, according to the finance ministry.

In a statement, the Chinese embassy in Manila said Beijing supports the crackdown on offshore gambling operators-related crimes.