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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Gov't urged to include online gambling ads in crackdown

Gov't urged to include online gambling ads in crackdown

Published Jun 22, 2025 05:59 pm
Amid concerns on the adverse effects of online gambling and authorities’ commitment to shut down illegal online gambling websites , a former government anti-graft executive called on the national government to include in the crackdown advertisements that promote them.
In pushing for the ban on online gaming advertisements, lawyer Nicasio Conti, former commissioner of the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission and now chief executive officer of the Capstone Intel Corporation, said he is concerned with the adverse effects on families, youth, and vulnerable sectors.
“Online gambling is a silent epidemic. It is available 24/7, targets the most financially at-risk, and is being disguised as entertainment. The glamorization of gambling through aggressive ads is normalizing addiction and destroying lives quietly,” said Conti.
The addiction to “online sabong” has already shifted to online gaming, with some content creators posting funny contents about how people would lose everything due to a popular online gambling. 
For Conti, addiction to online gaming is no joke as he underscored the need for a multi-agency approach to protect the public from what he calls a “systemic and evolving threat.”
He warned that without immediate safeguards, online gambling could fuel debt, mental health problems, and even financial crimes such as money laundering.
“Our laws must evolve to meet the realities of the digital age. Gambling can no longer be treated as a private vice—it is a public issue with far-reaching consequences on mental health, poverty, and corruption,” he said.
The call comes as the government intensifies its efforts to shut down thousands of illegal online gambling websites operating in the country.
Recent reports from the Palace indicate that over 7,000 illegal sites have already been identified and taken offline, with efforts continuing despite operators constantly changing domains to evade detection.
Conti also expressed alarm over the widespread use of e-wallets, online banks, and digital platforms to fund gambling transactions. He said this is further blurring the line between legitimate financial activity and harmful behavior.
He then urged concerned government agencies to work together to establish safeguards similar to those adopted in other developed nations where online gambling is tightly regulated or severely limited.
“The Filipino family is under siege—from debt, digital manipulation, and unchecked advertising. It's time we draw the line. We cannot allow profit to come at the cost of broken homes and lost futures,” Conti said.
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