There is a story about a promising young mid-level manager. Over time, he has shown the potential to become an asset to the organization. Then, suddenly, things started to change dramatically. Collection letters from creditors began arriving. Then, colleagues, including some executives, found they had also lent money to the guy. That is when they found out that this employee had been losing money on online gambling platforms.

The landscape of gambling in the Philippines has shifted dramatically over the last few years. What used to be a weekend trip to a brick-and-mortar casino or a local cockpit has moved directly into the pockets of millions of Filipinos.

Yes, smartphone screens are usually meant for social media feeds, online shopping carts, and video calls. Today, for an alarmingly growing number of Filipinos, those screens are gateways to a different world, the tantalizing and often addictive world of online gambling. Just a few years ago, the figure hovered around eight million. Today, that number has skyrocketed to an estimated 32 million adults actively participating in some form of online betting. That is nearly half of the entire adult population, hooked on digital games.

This vertical ascent is fueled by a perfect storm of technological convenience, societal shifts, and aggressive marketing. The Covid-19 pandemic, ironically, acted as a primary catalyst. With traditional leisure activities curtailed and physical casinos shut down, millions sought entertainment online. Boredom, isolation, and financial anxieties created fertile ground for gambling apps to take root.

But the pandemic alone does not tell the full story. The seamless integration of these platforms with popular e-wallets has been a game-changer. Betting is no longer a physical transaction involving cash. This frictionless entry removes a crucial psychological barrier, making it easier for individuals to place bets impulsively and repeatedly.

Moreover, the industry's marketing tactics have been insidious. Celebrity endorsements, influencer collaborations, and pervasive social media advertisements have normalized online gambling, often portraying it as a fun, legitimate form of entertainment or even a path to quick riches,blurring the lines between harmless recreation and high-stakes addiction, particularly for vulnerable audiences.

Certain segments of Philippine society have proven particularly vulnerable to online betting. Studies indicate a higher prevalence among young adults, university students, and those in professions like BPOs, where disposable income and ample screen time converge. However, the appeal of games like e-Bingo, with its community feel and perception as a “soft” form of gambling, has also drawn in a significant number of middle-aged women.

For many, the virtual world of betting offers a temporary reprieve from the harsh realities of daily life. It’s a quick fix, a momentary high that distracts from deeper issues. Or it could be the dream of instant wealth. The ability to gamble anytime, anywhere, and often anonymously from a smartphone allows these habits to escalate unnoticed by family and friends.

The consequences of this surge are far-reaching, extending beyond individual financial ruin to inflict serious structural damage on families and society as a whole. The link between problem gambling and severe mental health issues is undeniable. The constant stress of chasing losses, the shame, and the shattered hopes take a brutal toll on psychological well-being.

For low-income households, the allure of online gambling is particularly dangerous. It perpetuates a vicious cycle of poverty, trapping families in deeper financial despair. Money earmarked for essential needs — food, education, rent, healthcare — is frequently gambled away, often in a desperate attempt to “win back” previous losses. Finally, as debts mount and desperation sets in, individuals may resort to desperate measures, leading to an uptick in theft, fraud, and other illicit activities to fund their addiction or pay off creditors.

The question of whether online gambling should be prohibited in the Philippines is fiercely debated, with valid arguments on both sides.

Advocates for prohibition point to the immense social cost. They argue that the societal harm — the mental health crisis, family destruction, and deepening poverty — far outweighs any economic benefits derived from gambling taxes. They emphasize the moral imperative to protect vulnerable citizens, particularly the youth, from an easily accessible and highly addictive vice.

However, opponents of prohibition argue that an outright ban might be futile, merely driving the activity underground into an unregulated black market. This could lead to even greater dangers, with no government oversight, no responsible gambling measures, and increased exposure to criminal elements. They also highlight the significant revenue generated by the gambling sector, which contributes billions to government coffers and funds various social services.

While the debate over outright prohibition continues, immediate, robust interventions are crucial. This includes aggressive public awareness campaigns about the dangers of gambling addiction, stricter enforcement of advertising regulations, enhanced responsible gambling mechanisms within existing platforms, and a significant investment in mental health services and support for those caught in the grip of this digital mirage. It is now time to review and revise the old adage of “take everything in moderation” when applied to gambling. It does not work anymore.

(The author is an executive member of the National Innovation Council, lead convener of the Alliance for Technology Innovators for the Nation (ATIN), and vice president of the Analytics and AI Association of the Philippines. Email: [email protected])