orities in the Philippines have today banned online gaming firms from operating in any of the accredited sites across the country, according to reports in local media.

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) took the decision after its board of directors met with representatives of the BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) association.

PEZA Director General Charito Plaza said: “After meeting with the PEZA board and the BPO association, we reached a consensus that we will not allow because first, gambling is not a mandate of PEZA. Second, allowing it might affect operations of our legitimate BPO locators.”

At present there are over 100 online gambling related businesses in Metro Manila, the bulk of which operate in buildings accredited by PEZA.

Plaza said that she would ask owners of PEZA accredited buildings not to allow online gaming firms to operate in their premises, particularly those firms which are seen to be "disguising as BPOs".

PEZA have confirmed that the ban also applies to any businesses engaging in technical support for online gaming firms.

Plaza stated: “Since PEZA board will not allow online gaming, they (building owners) should stop allowing the lessee to occupy the accredited buildings.

“We do not want to ruin the image of the legitimate BPOs locating in our sites,” she added.