Philippines authorities arrest over 1,000 for illegal online gaming

More than over 1,000 undocumented Chinese immigrants have been arrested in the Philippines for their part in illegal online gambling activities.

A spokesperson for the Philippine Bureau of Immigration told national media that just over 1,200 individuals were arrested following a raid at Fontana Leisure Parks & Casino in Clark, Pampanga.

Bureau commissioner Jaime Morente said that all the individuals were working as agents or operators for a call centre without holding the necessary permits to work in the country.

The Bureau did not state whether those in question were working for Fontana or using one of the company’s facilities to carry out the illegal activities.

Those that have been arrested are currently being detained on a temporary basis at the Fontana Food Centre in Pampanga.

Online gambling is not legally available to Philippines nationals, although the country last month said it received 76 applications for ‘offshore’ gambling licences that enable foreigners aged over 21 and based abroad to participate in gaming.

Related article: Philippines receives 76 applications for ‘offshore’ licences