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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider Abra solon warns vs online gaming ban

Abra solon warns vs online gaming ban

Published Jul 21, 2025 09:58 am
Abra Rep. Joseph “JB” Bernos said on Monday that an outright ban on online gaming platforms will lead to the rise of underground gambling activities.
“Total ban of online gaming could unintentionally fuel the growth of undergound and illegal gambling activities,” Bernos, chairman of the House Committee on Games and Amusements and vice chairman of the Committee on National Defense in the 18th Congress, said in a statement.
Instead of a ban, he urged the government to regulate online gaming.
“History has shown us that banning a popular but controversial activity doesn’t make it disappear, it only drives it into the shadows, where there is no oversight, no accountability, and greater danger for our people,” Bernos said.
A complete ban on online gaming would open the floodgates for unregulated gambling rings, he said.
These, he warned, are harder to detect and prosecute.
“Let’s be realistic. The demand for online games of chance exists, especially among adults. If we ban legitimate platforms, we remove the ability of the government to monitor and control gambling activity, and we lose potential revenue. Worse, we empower illegal syndicates who operate beyond our legal reach."
Bernos urged authorities and gaming regulators to invest in cybersecurity and anti-money laundering systems to safeguard online gaming platforms.
“If we want to protect vulnerable sectors, especially the youth and low-income earners,.we must regulate online gaming with stricter standards, not ban it altogether."
“Let’s not forget: These platforms, when properly monitored, generate jobs, support local tech infrastructure, and contribute to national income. It’s the lack of enforcement and poor regulation that we must correct, not the entire industry,” Bernos said as Congress is set to renew debates over the social and economic impact of online gaming in the country,

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