The plan to completely ban online gambling could result in the loss of jobs for approximately 40,000 Filipinos, according to Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Javi Benitez. According to him, it will not fix the problem, but will only push the operation underground.
Benedict also stressed that online gambling employees have families that depend on their income. That is where they get their daily expenses, such as food, medicine, and other household necessities. So instead of banning it, it is better to regulate the industry.
If online gambling were legal and regulated, the government could earn over P200 billion per year. The taxes collected could be used for hospitals, schools, infrastructure projects, and social programs for more Filipinos.