A SENATOR on Tuesday called on the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) to quickly take down all ads promoting online gambling instead of waiting for operators to comply with its order on the ad ban with an Aug. 15 deadline.
“I am calling on PAGCOR to do its part,” Senator Rafael “Raffy” T. Tulfo told a news briefing in mixed English and Filipino. “Stop all advertisements for online gambling. It should be banned on TV, radio, newspapers, social media — everything.”
Last week, the state gambling regulator ordered licensed operators, suppliers, system administrators and gaming venue operators to remove online gambling ads by Aug. 15. But Mr. Tulfo questioned the delay.
“Why Aug. 15?” he asked. “Between now and Aug. 15, many more will be addicted to gambling. Let’s do it now because the problem will only get worse.”
The lawmaker said he would file a bill next week seeking a total ban on online gambling platforms, citing growing concerns over their social impact.
“Something has to be done, that’s why I’m filing a bill that will stop [online gambling platforms], not just… strictly regulate them,” he added.
His remarks echo calls from other senators who have argued that the social costs of gambling addiction far outweigh potential government revenues.
Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri earlier filed Senate Bill No. 142 or the Anti-Online Gambling bill, which seeks to impose a total ban on online gambling on mobile devices. The bill also requires internet service providers to restrict public access to gambling websites and apps.
Mr. Zubiri described the rise of gambling addiction in the country as a “silent epidemic,” particularly among the youth.
Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian also raised alarms about the growing number of underage students engaged in online gambling. In an unnumbered Senate resolution, he called for an inquiry into the issue.
“There have been reports that learners are being exposed to and are actively participating in online gambling platforms,” he said.
While existing laws prohibit minors from engaging in gambling, Mr. Gatchalian said there is still no clear national policy or educational initiative aimed at reducing gambling exposure among students.
PAGCOR reported that gambling revenue in the first quarter rose 27.44% to P104.12 billion. Online and electronic gambling businesses accounted for P51.39 billion, or almost half of gross gaming revenue.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has said he is open to regulating or taxing online gambling, following proposals from the Department of Finance to impose levies on gaming sites.
Meanwhile, Party-list Rep. Marcelino C. Libanan said he would file bills that seek to curb the rise of mobile-based gambling platforms.
In a statement, the House of Representatives minority leader said the rapid expansion of gambling apps accessible via smartphones — amplified by social media and influencer marketing — has created an “invisible threat” to Filipino families.
“We are preparing urgent proposals to clamp down on mobile-based gambling platforms, especially those targeting Filipinos through social media, paid influencers and algorithm-driven advertising,” Mr. Libanan said.
“Our laws must evolve swiftly before this invisible threat tears more Filipino households apart,” he added.
He said mobile gambling’s widespread availability has enticed Filipinos, particularly the youth and low-income groups, with the promise of easy money, fostering a new wave of addiction.
He also urged PAGCOR and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to strictly regulate online gambling platforms and launch public awareness campaigns about the dangers of digital betting.
“Online gambling is being sold to Filipinos as casual fun,” he said. “But it’s anything but harmless. It is fast becoming a serious public health issue.”
Mr. Libanan also called on civil society including teachers, religious groups and community leaders to help combat online betting.
“The government alone cannot fight this battle,” he said. “We need homes, schools and churches to treat online gambling not as a private shame, but as a public threat.”
The lawmaker did not give details about the specific proposals but said the legislative package would focus on limiting access to gambling apps, regulating digital ads and increasing penalties for unlicensed platforms.
The bills come amid rising concern over gambling-related debt, mental health problems, and family conflicts attributed to unregulated online betting, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. — Adrian H. Halili and Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio
