Philippine Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is advocating for stricter legislative measures to combat the rapid spread of illegal online betting, warning that unlicensed platforms are increasingly fueling gambling addiction among Filipinos.
In a recent statement, Gatchalian compared illegal gambling websites to “mushrooms,” saying that once blocked, they quickly reappear. “It’s never-ending; we must cut the root of the problem,” he stressed, highlighting the need for deeper structural solutions.
50,000 Illegal Sites Blocked
During a Senate hearing, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordination Center (CICC) reported that it had blocked around 50,000 online gambling sites. However, 95% to 97% of these platforms operate from outside the Philippines, limiting enforcement capabilities to domestic access restrictions.
This cross-border challenge underscores the difficulty of tackling offshore gambling operators that continue to target Filipino players.
Calls for Stronger International Cooperation
CICC Executive Director Renato Paraiso proposed appointing cyber diplomats to strengthen international cybersecurity cooperation. He also recommended expanding mutual legal assistance treaties to include cybercrimes, as current agreements primarily cover traditional offenses.
Regulatory Framework Instead of a Ban
Rather than pushing for a total ban, Gatchalian previously introduced the Online Gambling Regulatory Act. The proposal aims to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework, arguing that outright prohibition could push illegal operators further underground.
The senator’s renewed push reflects growing concern over illegal online betting’s social impact, as Philippine authorities seek more effective legal and international tools to address the issue.
