Connect with us

Asia

President Marcos Considers Online Gambling Ban

Published

on

Ferdinand Marcos Jr

Is a Philippines Online Gambling Ban the Right Move? My Thoughts on the Heated Debate

Talks of a full online gambling ban in the Philippines have exploded across headlines — and it’s stirring real concern.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is now reviewing proposals that range from tighter regulations to banning digital gambling outright.

As someone who closely follows the iGaming sector, I think it’s vital we look at the bigger picture before making such a bold move.

Let’s unpack what’s happening, what’s at stake, and why we need smart regulation—not total prohibition.

Advertisement

Philippine Gambling: A Balancing Act Between Morality and Market Reality

As someone immersed in the gaming industry, I’ve seen this story play out in other countries. But now, it’s the Philippines in the spotlight — again. According to recent reports, President Marcos Jr. is weighing a ban on online gambling, prompted by increasing political and public pressure.

Let’s not sugarcoat it. Gambling comes with risks—addiction, crime, and social harm are real. But banning legal operators doesn’t solve the problem. It simply pushes it underground, where oversight disappears, and risk multiplies.

Key Points to Understand

  • President Marcos is exploring major changes, including a possible full prohibition on online gambling.
  • Palace officials warn against hasty action, citing economic fallout and a rise in illegal platforms.
  • Licensed operators advocate regulation, not a ban, and highlight their compliance with Philippine laws.

What’s Really on the Table?

So far, we know that lawmakers and officials are looking at several options — not just a blanket ban. These include:

  • Stricter limits on e-wallet transactions tied to gambling
  • Increased age verification and identity checks
  • A 10% tax on digital gambling to fund addiction recovery services

This isn’t coming out of nowhere. Senator Raffy Tulfo and other lawmakers have called online gambling a moral issue, warning it’s destroying families and livelihoods. While I respect their concern, we need to make sure policy isn’t driven by panic.

Industry Pushback: Are Casinos the Villains Here?

Let’s remember this: many of the Philippines’ largest casino groups — Solaire, Newport, Okada Manila — now operate regulated digital platforms. They’ve issued a joint statement defending their integrity, transparency, and compliance with AML and data protection laws.

Advertisement

Their message is simple: “Banning doesn’t erase gambling. It erases the safeguards.

They’re not wrong. When you prohibit licensed platforms, you create space for illegal offshore operators who pay no taxes, offer no player protection, and are often linked to fraud or worse.

Economic Consequences Can’t Be Ignored

Here’s what worries me. Online gambling generates billions in revenue. It funds public services, infrastructure, and healthcare. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is a key contributor to government funds.

Suddenly removing that source without a clear alternative? That’s risky. Not just for operators, but for the Filipino economy and its people.

Advertisement

Even the Department of Finance has said it would rather impose smart taxation (like the proposed 10% rate on digital gambling) than shut down an entire industry.

What Should Happen Instead?

If the concern is real — and I believe it is — then let’s focus on stronger regulation, not prohibition.

  • Enforce stricter licensing
  • Limit advertising exposure
  • Mandate operator contributions to treatment and prevention
  • Create a public awareness campaign on gambling risks

These are tangible, balanced steps that protect players without destroying a legal, tax-paying industry.

Let’s Not Repeat Mistakes from Other Markets

I’ve seen countries rush into bans only to deal with a proliferation of illegal, untraceable gambling platforms later. The Philippines shouldn’t go down that road.

President Marcos has a tough decision ahead. But I truly hope his administration listens not just to moral arguments, but to data, economics, and industry experts. This is a chance to modernize the Philippine iGaming sector, not bury it.

Advertisement

Instead of a ban, let’s build a regulated, responsible, and safe online gambling environment—one that respects both public health and the national economy.

📢 Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts or ask questions about our latest articles? Stay connected and be part of the discussion by joining our Telegram and WhatsApp channels!

🔹 Get real-time updates
🔹 Share insights with industry peers
🔹 Ask questions & get expert answers

Advertisement
👉 Join us on Telegram 👉 Join us on WhatsApp

Let’s keep the conversation going!

Jerome, a valuable addition to the Gamingo.News team, brings with him extensive journalistic experience in the iGaming sector. His interest in the industry was sparked during his college years when he participated in local poker tournaments, eventually leading to his exposure to the burgeoning world of online poker and casino rooms. Jerome now utilizes his accumulated knowledge to fuel his passion for journalism, providing the team with the latest online scoops.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Gamingo.News stands as a premier digital destination dedicated to delivering top-tier news and insights in the gaming and gambling industry. This specialized media outlet garners the attention of over 120,000 readers each month, providing them with engaging content, current news, and in-depth analyses.
The platform offers extensive coverage of various facets of the gaming world, including both online and brick-and-mortar gaming, wagering, esports, updates on regulations and compliance, as well as technological innovations. Regular content includes daily news stories, press releases, unique interviews, and comprehensive reports on events.
Moreover, Gamingo.News organizes webinars pertinent to the industry and offers detailed reports, establishing itself as a comprehensive information source for those interested in learning about gaming market operators, suppliers, regulators, and professional services. The portal's main objective is to keep its large audience informed about the latest news, trends, and developments in the gaming and gambling sectors. It focuses particularly on the European igaming market but also covers significant global news, proving to be an invaluable tool for gaming professionals, operators, and enthusiasts.

For inquiries, reach out at: sales@gamingo.news

For editorial or PR submissions, contact: media@gamingo.news

Copyright © 2024 Gamingo.News.