Illegal online gambling activity in the Philippines fell sharply in the third quarter of 2025. It dropped by 93% quarter-on-quarter, according to new data from cybersecurity firms Gogolook and Whoscall.
Gogolook, a Taiwan-listed technology company and developer of the Whoscall caller identification app, said the decline reflects the growing impact of coordinated government and private-sector action. This action is against cyber-enabled gambling operations.
Coordinated Crackdown Driving Results
Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) Acting Executive Director Aboy Paraiso credited the decline to the unified efforts of regulators, law enforcement, and legislators.
“Foreigners are now hesitant to invest in illegal online gambling because of the strict regulations in the country,” Paraiso said during a local TV interview.
He also acknowledged the collaboration of key government agencies, including PAGCOR, PCSO, PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group, NBI, and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).
According to Paraiso, reports and scam calls related to illicit gambling platforms have dropped significantly on Whoscall. This reflects reduced illegal activity online.
Building Capacity Through Cybercrime Training
As part of its broader strategy, the CICC has partnered with Camp John Hay in Baguio City to set up a digital forensics training center. The new facility will train specialists from the PNP-ACG, NBI Cybercrime Group, and the Department of Justice’s Office of Cybercrime.
“The center will help us strengthen our investigative and prosecutorial capabilities to tackle cybercrimes more effectively,” Paraiso explained.
Sustaining the Momentum
The CICC emphasized that long-term success depends on sustained cooperation among government agencies and continued investment in technical training.
Paraiso said the agency remains committed to maintaining the momentum of its crackdown. They aim to keep illegal gambling operators out of the Philippines’ digital ecosystem.
