Call for Investigation
Philippine Representative Brian Poe filed a House resolution on Wednesday urging an investigation into the social effects of online gambling. He raised alarms over rising gambling-related debt, family conflicts, school dropouts, and mental health issues linked to unregulated online platforms.
According to Inquirer.net, Poe’s resolution aims to crack down on illegal and unregulated online gambling and strengthen policies that protect citizens from harmful digital gambling activities.
Industry Growth Raises Concerns
The Philippine gaming industry has grown significantly, recording PHP410.47 billion ($7.3 billion) in gross gaming revenue for 2024. Data from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) shows the regulated sector contributed PHP372.33 billion ($6.6 billion)—a 30.52% jump from the previous year—fueled by online gaming and steady land-based casino performance.
PAGCOR projects that gross gaming revenue from e-casinos could climb to between PHP450 billion ($8.0 billion) and PHP480 billion ($8.5 billion) in 2025. However, the rapid expansion has triggered fresh debate about the potential social consequences of online gambling.
Push for Stricter Oversight
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signaled support for proposals to limit and tax online gambling, prioritizing measures to curb addiction and minimize harm. Similarly, PAGCOR supports tighter regulation rather than a complete ban, arguing that a regulated industry ensures public protection while sustaining revenue and job creation.
Technology Complicates Regulation
The rise of e-wallets, crypto wallets, and digital payments has made online gambling more accessible, complicating enforcement and increasing risks for vulnerable groups. Reports from families, local authorities, and civil organizations show a surge in underage participation and involvement from low-income communities lured to unregulated platforms that bypass age checks and lack consumer safeguards.
Furthermore, institutions such as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, PAGCOR, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Health Organization recognize gambling addiction as a significant public health challenge. They link the growth of online gambling to increased rates of addiction, debt, family disputes, and mental health issues.
Lawmakers Weigh Different Approaches
While some lawmakers call for outright bans, others advocate smarter regulation. Negros Occidental Representative Javi Benitez noted that regulated online gambling generates over PHP200 billion ($3.6 billion) annually and employs more than 40,000 Filipinos directly.
He pointed out that gaming taxes fund essential services like hospitals, schools, infrastructure, and community programs. For instance, DigiPlus paid PHP33.7 billion ($600 million) in taxes, demonstrating the potential financial benefits of regulated gambling.
Meanwhile, Bicol Saro party-list Representative Terry Ridon proposed measures like requiring physical cash deposits and setting higher minimum betting amounts of PHP10,000 ($178) or PHP20,000 ($356) to encourage responsible gambling behavior.
Legislative Actions Underway
On the legislative front, Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri introduced the Anti-Online Gambling Act of 2025. His bill would require internet providers, mobile operators, and digital platforms to block gambling sites within 72 hours upon notice from the Department of Justice or PAGCOR.
In the House, Akbayan party-list Representatives Chel Diokno, Perci Cendaña, and Dadah Ismulla filed House Bill 1351, or the Kontra e-Sugal Act. The measure proposes strict age verification, betting loss limits, and a national self-exclusion registry to shield Filipinos from online gambling harm.
