Rodrigo Duterte, Philippines’ new president isn’t a man known for pussy footing around. The polarizing figure, known also as The Punisher for his uncompromising and some say brutal approach to getting the job done, has said that he wants online gambling in the Philippines to stop.

When Duterte took over at Mayor of Davao City 22 years ago it was known as the ‘murder capital of the Philippines’. He vowed to clean it up and with a heavy handed approach that attracted criticism from human rights organizations he turned the place into what is now widely considered one of the most peaceful cities in southeast Asia. Point being, when this man decides to do something, he does it.

At his first cabinet meeting, moments after being sworn into his new job, The Punisher declared that, “online gambling must stop”.

So the online gambling industry in the Philippines is justifiably anxious that things are about to get shaken up quite a bit. But exactly what Duterte means by online gambling is still a little uncertain.

Pagcor licensed internet cafes and e-bingo halls that allow locals to squander their hard earned on various internet games are the most likely under the gun. Pagcor’s boss has frozen the issuance of new licenses pending clarification of the president’s statement (he’s already having an impact before anyone really knows what it is he’s talking about!).

What is less certain, is whether Duterte also wants to put a stop to CEZA/First Cagayan licensed operators who’s services are not accessible by Philippino residents. This includes a bunch of live dealer studios and live casino operators, based in Manila.  The likes of M88, Bodog88, and Playtech’s popular Asian dealer studio (dafabet, bet365 etc) will be impacted if this is the case.