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Villar urges comprehensive review of online gambling regulations

Philippines | National

Villar urges comprehensive review of online gambling regulations

By MBrand

Senator Camille Villar

Senator Camille Villar

Senator Camille Villar has called for a thorough review of the regulations governing online gambling, citing its harmful effects on minors, low-income individuals, and the broader community.

In a statement issued Thursday, Aug. 14, Villar emphasized the need to strengthen the regulatory framework and improve coordination among the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), and other relevant agencies to close enforcement gaps.

“There is an urgent need to review and strengthen the current regulatory framework governing online gambling… to better protect youth, minors, and low-income individuals from online gambling harms,” she said.

Villar was among several lawmakers who filed resolutions at the start of the 20th Congress seeking to address the proliferation of online gaming platforms. Some legislators have gone further, advocating for a complete ban.

The senator warned of the serious implications associated with online gambling, including addiction, financial distress, mental health problems, and other social consequences. She noted that despite existing laws, gambling-related content remains prevalent on social media, video-sharing applications, and influencer channels.

According to Villar, such content often presents gambling as glamorous and lucrative, enticing unsuspecting individuals—particularly the youth—to participate.

During a Senate Committee on Games and Amusement hearing, she also highlighted recent suicide cases allegedly linked to online gambling. These incidents, Villar said, underscore the urgency of a comprehensive policy review and more stringent enforcement by government bodies.

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NATIONAL NEWS SENATOR CAMILLE VILLAR online gambling

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