An illegal online gambling hub hidden inside a village in Santo Cristo, Angeles City, Pampanga was raided and closed down by the NBI Pampanga District Office (NBI-PAMDO).
The agency reported that it received intelligence reports about an online gaming platform that was scamming players. Investigation on the said platform revealed that it allowed bettors to play and win at first, but the operators would later freeze their accounts to prevent them from cashing out their earnings.
The NBI checked the online gaming platform with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and learned that the operators and their online casino platforms did not have the required legal licenses to run a gambling business.
Agents secured a search warrant from a Malolos City court and conducted an operation on May 21, 2026 where they caught the suspects in the act of running the gambling software, taking bets, and handling the illegal money.
Seven individuals were arrested and taken to the Angeles City Prosecutor’s Office. They face formal criminal charges in violation of Republic Act No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).
NBI Director Melvin Matibag reiterated that the bureau will continue to strictly target cyber-crimes, and warned the public to stay away from unauthorized online betting sites.