A CONSUMER group has urged the government to implement a “more balanced and forward-looking approach” in regulating online gambling rather than shutting down the entire industry.
Orlando Oxales, lead convenor of CitizenWatch Philippines, emphasized that while public concerns over the harmful effects of online gaming are valid, total prohibition might not be the solution.
“Calls for a total ban on online gaming are understandable given rising public concerns. But banning isn’t the answer. It creates more problems than it solves. What we need is stricter, smarter regulation—clear rules, modern tools, and responsible enforcement that protect our people while preserving public benefits,” Oxales said.
He warned that a total ban would likely drive the industry underground, stripping regulators of oversight and leaving users vulnerable to illegal and often predatory offshore operators that are outside the country’s jurisdiction.
“These platforms are beyond our jurisdiction, avoid taxes, and offer no consumer protections. Worse, they use aggressive, manipulative tactics to exploit vulnerable users,” he added.
In contrast, the legal online gaming industry in the Philippines has proven to be a vital source of revenues. In 2024 alone, licensed platforms generated P50 billion in revenue, half of which supported universal healthcare, grassroots sports development, and drug rehabilitation programs, the advocacy group said.
Oxales noted that eliminating the industry would potentially remove up to P100 billion in projected government earnings in the coming year.
“Let’s be clear: abuse must be stopped. But prohibition is a blunt tool. Precision regulation is more effective—and more sustainable,” Oxales pointed out.
He recommended the adoption of technology-driven safeguards, such as artificial intelligence (AI) systems to monitor gambling behavior, enforce self-exclusion protocols, and detect high-risk activity, which he described as tools that can significantly reduce harm.
Financial technology and e-wallet platforms can also play vital roles in protecting users through identity checks, suspicious activity flags, and account controls, he added.
CitizenWatch also exhorted licensed operators to exercise strong self-regulation.
“Licensed operators are part of the solution. They must integrate AI systems to detect and address harmful gambling behavior early—before it escalates. This includes setting deposit limits, monitoring user patterns, and activating cooling-off mechanisms for at-risk players. A responsible platform does not wait for regulators to act—it builds these safeguards into its business,” Oxales said.
He welcomed recent reforms, such as the partnership between the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the Ad Standards Council to curb harmful gambling advertisements, along with efforts by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to remove pre-installed casino mobile applications targeting minors.
“The path forward is clear: license only those willing to meet high standards, hold them strictly accountable, and equip regulators with the tools to do their job. Strengthen—not abandon—oversight,” Oxales said.
CitizenWatch Philippines also urged lawmakers and regulators to pursue a balanced path—one that protects vulnerable sectors, keeps the industry above-ground, and ensures that revenues fund essential public services.
