Philippine Government Considers Full Online Gambling Ban Amid Rising Political and Social Pressure

The Philippine government is continuing to evaluate the wider consequences of potentially enacting a full ban on all forms of online gambling, as pressure intensifies from lawmakers who say the issue has grown into a serious epidemic affecting Filipino communities. The latest indication came from Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, who confirmed on Sunday, July 20th, that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has not yet made a final decision on whether to announce a total ban during his upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) scheduled for July 28th. The ongoing review is being conducted amid mounting legislative calls and increasing reports of financial distress among Filipinos linked to gambling addiction.

“We are still looking into it because we have to consider all the ramifications of allowing that type of gaming to operate,” Bersamin said in a media interview, according to the Philippine News Agency. He clarified that the ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), first declared during last year’s SONA, remains active. However, other forms of online gambling that are not directly linked to fraudulent activities are still being scrutinized as part of the broader policy review.

Claire Castro, Press Officer for Malacañang, previously stated that the President is weighing both the social impacts and economic implications of enacting such a sweeping ban. The administration has yet to strike a balance between public welfare concerns and the potential revenue losses tied to the gaming sector.

Senator Raffy Tulfo has been one of the most forceful voices calling for a complete shutdown of online gambling operations in the country. Tulfo described online gambling as an “epidemic” and has urged the Marcos administration to treat the matter with urgency. He expressed confidence that the President would address the growing concerns over gambling-related harm in his upcoming national address.

In reaction to the growing push for prohibition, licensed online gaming operators have issued a coordinated rebuttal. On July 17th, 14 companies, all authorized by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), released a joint statement opposing a total ban and instead advocating for stronger regulation. They argue that eliminating legal platforms would only push Filipino players toward unregulated, and potentially more dangerous, black-market alternatives. “Prohibition does not erase online gaming. It only erases the safeguards that protect the Filipino people,” the group’s statement declared.

The statement detailed current consumer protection measures in place, including multi-factor authentication, player verification against PAGCOR’s restricted persons list, age restrictions, and self-exclusion features. The operators also highlighted the sector’s fiscal contributions, noting that revenues paid to PAGCOR totaled PHP54 billion—or approximately $922 million—during the 2024 fiscal year.

The companies involved emphasized that legitimate operators are not opposed to increased regulation. “Legal businesses do not fear tougher rules—they welcome them,” the statement continued. However, they cautioned against leaving the digital gaming market open to unregulated operators, who they say prioritize profits without regard for consumer protection or ethical standards.

The 14 signatories to the joint statement include World Platinum Technologies Inc., AB Leisure Exponent Inc., Total Gamezone Xtreme Inc., Gamemaster Integrated Inc., Lucky Taya Gaming Corp., Stotsenberg Leisure Park & Hotel Corporation, Igo Digital High Technology Inc., Megabet Corp., Gavin Ventures Inc., Gotech Entertainment Inc., Meta Interactive Software Solutions Inc., Nextstage Entertainment Inc., Webzoid System Solutions Corporation, and Trojan Wells Entertainment Corp.

As the country awaits President Marcos’s position on the issue during the upcoming SONA, debate over the future of online gambling continues to intensify. Whether the government moves toward prohibition or opts for enhanced regulation, the decision is expected to have lasting repercussions for both the industry and Filipino consumers.

By fLEXI tEAM