Southeast Asian governments have intensified efforts to combat illegal online gambling, employing a combination of technological tools, inter-agency coordination, and international cooperation. Here’s an overview of recent developments: For more information please visit god55
🇮🇩 Indonesia: Comprehensive Crackdown with AI and Financial Measures
Indonesia has escalated its campaign against online gambling by blocking nearly 3.8 million gambling-related sites between July 2023 and October 2024. The Ministry of Communication and Informatics (Kominfo) has also restricted access to over 31,000 gambling links on educational and government platforms. Additionally, 7,500 bank accounts linked to illegal gambling activities have been frozen, and 555 digital wallets have been blocked by Bank Indonesia . The government has established an Online Gambling Eradication Task Force and is collaborating with telecommunications companies to educate the public and reduce online gambling activities .
🇵🇭 Philippines: Ban on Offshore Gambling Operators
In July 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced a ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), which were predominantly controlled by Chinese firms and often associated with criminal activities such as human trafficking and money laundering . Senator Risa Hontiveros has urged China to enhance its efforts in combating cybercrime syndicates operating illegal online gambling and scam call centers in Southeast Asian countries, often employing forced labor .
🌏 Regional Trends and Global Expansion
A United Nations report indicates that Southeast Asian scam operations, including those related to online gambling, are expanding globally, reaching regions such as South America, Africa, and Eastern Europe. These operations are often orchestrated by Asian crime syndicates operating large compounds housing trafficked and coerced workers
