Summary
- The Philippines embraces a careful stance when it comes to revising gambling laws.
- Yet, what lies ahead remains an unwritten story, with no definitive clues guiding us.
- Diverse voices are urgently calling for more realistic safeguards and, in some cases, even a total ban.
In the Philippines, online gambling is facing renewed criticism from the Catholic Church and lawmakers, who are calling for a total ban. They argue that the negative societal and economic impacts far outweigh any potential benefits.
The Philippines won’t act in haste when it comes to deciding on future regulation
As online gambling revenues skyrocket alongside the thriving high-skill economy, taking action against this sector has become increasingly challenging. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has pledged to avoid making rushed decisions regarding the future of eGames, overseen by PAGCOR, the regulatory body. A significant portion of Filipinos supports a regulated online gambling market rather than an outright ban. Banks and fintech companies are ready to implement stricter regulations to protect consumers by introducing measures like deposit and time limits, cooling-off periods, and more. This decisive action is meant to address critics' concerns and demonstrates the private sector's proactive stance. Meanwhile, industry experts warn that banning eGames could result in the loss of up to 50,000 jobs. These jobs encompass more than just the operation of online casino games; they also include roles in IT, development, back offices, and customer support. Halting eGames could have an immediate impact on the country's economy. Many expected President Marcos to address this issue in his July 28, 2025 speech, with some predicting he might take a firmer stance against the sector. However, this did not come to pass.
Tighter measures are needed to fight off the offshore market
Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, among other lawmakers, is urging the Central Bank of the Philippines to step in and regulate gambling transactions. This crucial move aims to help the country maintain a grip on legal gambling activities while cracking down on unauthorized websites that prey on the Filipino community. The call for action couldn't come at a more critical time, as worries grow over the uncharted waters of the offshore gambling sector, which might already make up half of the industry according to some estimates.
