President of the Philippines exercises caution when implementing modifications to online gambling regulations
The Philippines, a Southeast Asian nation known for its vibrant casinos, is currently grappling with the issue of online gambling regulation. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), a government agency, oversees the industry, managing casinos and licensing and regulating online gambling operators serving offshore markets. However, concerns about the potential risks associated with online gambling are leading to a push for tighter regulations and possible legislative changes.
Consumer protection is a key concern, with PAGCOR implementing a Code of Practice for Responsible Gaming. This code includes elements designed to minimize gambling addiction and ensure game fairness. The Philippines' Central Bank has also proposed stricter rules for online gambling operations, aimed at increasing oversight and protecting consumers.
Legislative momentum is building towards banning all online gambling in the Philippines. Representative Benny Abante filed a bill in July 2025, reflecting growing concerns from groups like the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, which have labeled online gambling a societal "plague."
However, not everyone agrees. Critics argue that the potential gains from online gambling far outweigh the negative societal and economic consequences. Jobs in the online gambling industry involve IT, developers, back offices, customer support, and more. As many as 50,000 jobs may be lost if a complete ban on online gambling is enacted in the Philippines.
The offshore gambling market, which operates without a license, is a significant concern. It targets Filipinos and could be half of the total marketplace. The impact of the offshore market on the regulated gambling market in the Philippines needs to be addressed to protect consumers and maintain economic stability.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has vowed not to act in haste when deciding on the future of eGames, which are administered by PAGCOR. Senate majority leader Joel Villanueva has called for the Central Bank of the Philippines to oversee gambling transactions, and the bank could potentially help the country regulate its gambling market and go after unlicensed websites.
Proposed consumer protection measures include deposit and time limits, cooling-off periods, and more. Banks and fintech companies are ready to enforce stricter regulation and consumer protection measures in the online gambling industry. The Philippines is considering changes in its gambling laws, but no concrete decisions have been made.
In summary, the Philippines is navigating a complex issue, balancing the potential economic benefits of online gambling with the need for consumer protection and regulation. The offshore gambling market, with its unregulated nature and potential size, poses a threat to the regulated market. The Central Bank of the Philippines could play a crucial role in addressing this issue and helping the country maintain control over its gambling market.
- As the Philippines contemplates tightening gambling laws, stakeholders are debating the pros and cons of online casino-and-gambling, with critics highlighting potential job losses if a complete ban is enacted, while advocates emphasize the economic benefits from the IT, development, and customer support sectors.
- The gambler-protection efforts within the Filipino online gambling market are gaining traction, possibly involving deposit and time limits, cooling-off periods, and other measures, as banks and fintech companies prepare to implement stricter regulation in response to gambling-trends and concerns about gambling addiction.
