Online Gambling Soars in the Philippines, Manila Bulletin Calls for Stronger Public Awareness

Nearly half of the adult population in the Philippines, or approximately 32 million people, are reportedly engaging in online gambling, according to recent reports. Internet betting has surged since the COVID-19 pandemic, and with the Philippine government appearing intent on maximizing revenue from gambling, the country’s leading English-language newspaper is now urging regulatory reform.

The Manila Bulletin, founded in 1900 and the second-oldest English newspaper in the Far East, is the most-read and most-circulated English-language publication in the country. The newspaper has frequently been ranked among the most trusted news organizations in Southeast Asia by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, in part because it remains privately owned and largely free from government interference. Its editorial pages are regularly cited by lawmakers and advocates seeking policy changes.

The latest op-ed addresses the rapid expansion of online casino gambling in the Philippines. Online gambling websites and apps in the country are regulated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), which licenses more than 80 iGaming platforms offering 24/7 casino games to residents. In the third quarter of 2025, these online properties generated gross gaming revenue (GGR) of PHP41.94 billion, equivalent to more than $729.6 million. Internet casino revenue reached over $1 billion in Q2 2025 and nearly $821.7 million in Q1.

The growth of online casinos in the Philippines has been extraordinary. In 2021, GGR was just $116.6 million, climbing to $176 million in 2022, $576.9 million in 2023, and more than $2.3 billion in 2024. Through the first three quarters of 2025, iGaming win has already exceeded $2.5 billion.

“The social costs are profound. Families see savings meant for food, rent, or tuition vanish. Workplaces suffer as employees borrow money or struggle with mounting obligations. Mental health deteriorates under the weight of shame and financial stress,” wrote the Manila Bulletin Editorial Board.

“For low-income households, the illusion of a life-changing win can entrench cycles of poverty rather than break them. Filipinos must understand that online gambling apps are not harmless games. They are designed to maximize engagement and spending. Responsible gaming slogans are not enough in an environment engineered for impulse,” the piece continued.

The editorial concluded by calling for a “stronger,” more “sustained” public awareness campaign. “Digital literacy must now include gambling literacy. The stakes are no longer confined to gaming tables. They are embedded in everyday life,” it said.

Data on household earnings highlights the scale of the issue. In 2023, the average household income in the Philippines was approximately PHP353,230 (US$6,144), though income disparities are substantial. Wealthier residents in the National Capital Region averaged more than $8,900 annually. A small group of oligarchs with close ties to the government also control significant casino and gaming assets, including Enrique Razon Jr., whose Bloomberry Resorts owns the two Solaire casinos, and Andrew Tan, whose Travellers International Hotel owns Newport World Resorts.

The Manila Bulletin’s op-ed underscores growing concerns over the social and financial consequences of online gambling, emphasizing the need for regulatory reform and more comprehensive public education to address the rapid expansion of iGaming in the Philippines.

By fLEXI tEAM