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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Brian Poe echoes calls for House probe on illegal online gaming

Brian Poe echoes calls for House probe on illegal online gaming

Published Jul 9, 2025 06:48 pm

At A Glance

  • FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list Rep. Brian Poe joined on Wednesday, July 9 the chorus of House members who are eyeing a full-blown investigation on illegal online gambling.
FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list Rep. Brian Poe (Facebook)
FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list Rep. Brian Poe (Facebook)


FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list Rep. Brian Poe joined on Wednesday, July 9 the chorus of House members who are eyeing a full-blown investigation on illegal online gambling.
“It’s about time we began investigating the crippling effects of online gambling on society, especially illegal or unregulated online gambling,” said Poe, who has filed a House resolution for this purpose.
The neophyte legislator wants the House inquiry to focus on the increase in illegal and unregulated gambling operations in the country, as well as ways to strengthen protections for citizens against risks associated with the industry.
"Reports indicate a sharp rise in gambling-related debt, family strife, school dropouts, and mental health issues linked to unregulated online platforms," Poe stated in his measure, as he cited the urgent need for scrutiny and action.
"This resolution highlights essential constitutional obligations related to family welfare and safeguarding the youth, as outlined in the 1987 Constitution," it added.
Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), and organizations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Health Organization (WHO) confirm that gambling addiction is a pressing mental health issue, worsened by online gambling's accessibility.
According to Poe, unregulated offshore gambling operators not only hinder government revenue but also foster organized crime and money laundering, eclipsing any economic benefits.
He says it is imperative to evaluate the role of financial institutions, electronic wallet services, internet providers, digital platforms, and payment methods in facilitating online gambling.
Poe says it is also crucial to assess the effectiveness of current legislation, such as the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act and the Cybercrime Prevention Act, in addressing the specific challenges of online gambling—especially concerning the use of VPNs and cross-border payment methods.
In 2024, the Philippines' gaming sector achieved remarkable growth, reaching ₱410.47 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR), including both regulated and offshore platforms.
Pagcor reported that the regulated sector alone generated ₱372.33 billion—a 30.52 percent increase from the previous year—largely driven by a rise in online gaming alongside steady land-based casino revenues.
Pagcor forecasts e-casino GGR could soar to ₱450 to ₱480 billion by 2025, raising significant concerns about the implications of this industry’s expansion.
The influx of e-wallets, cryptocurrency wallets, and digital payment solutions has made online gambling more accessible, complicating regulatory efforts and posing serious risks, particularly to vulnerable populations.
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