Licensed online gaming operators in the Philippines have warned that a total ban on online gambling would do more harm than good. In their joint statement, the 14 operators said that Filipinos would not be stopped from gambling online even if it were banned. Instead, they would only be forced to use illegal and unregulated platforms.
"The ban does not eliminate online gaming. What is missing are safety measures for Filipinos," the group said. It is safer for players to be under regulated platforms that follow the law, rather than in the black market where there is no control.
The group is joining PAGCOR and lawmakers for stricter regulations instead of a total ban. They suggested stricter age and ID verification, limits on at-risk players, anti-money laundering rules, and faster closure of illegal sites.
This is also supported by Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian who proposed a daily fund transfer cap and a “cooling-off period” for those who overuse online gambling. According to him, biometric verification and time limits will help prevent the worsening cases of gambling addiction, especially among the youth.
Rep. Terry Ridon also called for stricter regulations due to the impact of online gambling on the mental health and livelihood of families. He asked the BSP to prohibit the use of GCash, Maya, and other apps for any online gambling transaction. He said that gambling is so easily accessible today that many young people and families with limited budgets are addicted to it.
