PAGCOR will temporarily stop accepting applications for Chinese-manned Philippine offshore gaming operation licenses amid concerns raised over the POGO industry, the PAGCOR chief said yesterday.

In a press briefing at the National Press Club, Pagcor chair and chief executive officer Andrea Domingo said the regulator would impose a moratorium on the issuance of licenses to offshore gaming firms seeking entry, until such time that it addresses all issues plaguing the industry.

“We will no longer, at this time, accept anymore applications until we would have reviewed and comfortably addressed all concerns,” Domingo said.

“(The) moratorium on licenses (will last) at least until the end of the year and we will decide if this is enough or we will extend,” she added.

Currently, there are 58 POGOs licensed by PAGCOR. Domingo said the regulator would only accommodate three pending applications, which may bring the number up to a maximum of 61.