Is a POGO exodus really happening, and if so, is it a good thing? It entirely depends on who you ask. After the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) announced that two Philippine Offshore Gambling Operators (POGOs) and several service providers were leaving the country in an exodus due to tax disputes, one POGO is disputing exactly why they left, while a couple of senators are celebrating the demise of the industry.

Suncity Group disputed PAGCOR chief Andrea Domingo’s version of events, saying that while they are reducing operations in the Philippines, they aren’t leaving the country entirely. They told Inside Asia Gaming:

“Suncity Group spares no effort to develop itself as a global integrated VIP entertainment conglomerate. The junket business in Manila is definitely important to us and we can’t find any reason to leave Manila at this particular moment.

“In regards to the comment provided by Mdm Andrea Domingo, we think she is referring to telebetting services, which has nothing to do with the junket business that Suncity Group operates in Manila.