Philippine lawmakers are intensifying calls for stronger action against online gambling, warning that operators continue to find new ways to reach Filipino users despite recent regulatory crackdowns. Several senators raised concerns that gambling platforms are embedding themselves in popular digital applications and exploiting payment services to remain accessible to the public.
Senators Warn of Exploitation Through Digital Platforms
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian highlighted what he described as a “malicious and predatory practice,” where gambling operators infiltrate messaging and e-commerce apps such as Viber, Telegram, and Lazada. He stressed that these channels, designed for communication and convenience, were being transformed into gateways for gambling.
“I am deeply concerned by reports that online gambling has infiltrated some of the most widely used digital platforms, including messaging apps and e-commerce sites such as Viber, Telegram, and Lazada. This is a malicious and predatory practice that we should not tolerate,” Gatchalian said.
He urged the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to act quickly and remove any gambling connections from these platforms. “These sites are appearing everywhere. The government must act faster! Our phones and online apps cannot simply be turned into gambling platforms,” he added, underscoring the urgency of government intervention.
Gatchalian argued that a ban alone may not solve the problem, pointing to e-sabong, which continues despite prohibition. “It’s time to have stricter regulations that have real teeth. A ban alone may not be enough. Online gambling operators would likely just move underground, making it even harder for authorities to regulate operations and putting vulnerable Filipinos, especially the youth, at greater risk,” he said.
Focus on E-Wallet Services and Financial Regulations
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) recently ordered e-wallet providers to cut links to gambling platforms, requiring GCash and Maya to delist features that directed users to gambling sites. Both firms confirmed compliance, removing icons and access through GLife and Games.
Gatchalian, however, urged regulators to ensure the disconnection is permanent and fully enforced. “While GCash and Maya have pledged to comply with the BSP directive to unlink from online gambling sites, I urge PAGCOR and the BSP to ensure that these sites are fully and permanently disconnected from all e-wallet services. The government and the public must remain vigilant as many non-accredited online gambling providers still exist, and they can find workarounds to existing regulations,” he said.
Senator Bam Aquino supported the BSP directive but pressed for even tougher measures, including a complete prohibition on online gambling. “We are happy that BSP itself is saying to delink e-wallets from e-gambling sites. We welcome this development and urge e-wallet providers to decouple from online gambling entirely,” Aquino said, as reported by The Philippine Star. He added that only a full ban would address the risks, describing mobile gambling apps as dangerously close to users: “That’s absurdity,” he said, noting the double standard of banning land-based gambling near schools while allowing apps on phones.
Senator Erwin Tulfo echoed concerns, stressing that while e-wallets are cutting ties, operators are quickly shifting to other platforms. He cited BingoPlus as an example, which continues to reach players through its app, website, and Viber, while also selling vouchers on Lazada. Tulfo said this shows the need for a wider approach involving banks, telecom firms, and regulators.
He suggested limiting online gambling transactions to bank payments, with minimum deposit and withdrawal thresholds to discourage low-income Filipinos from gambling. “Drivers, workers, and students are falling into debt due to online gambling,” Tulfo said.
Tulfo, who chairs the Senate committee on games and amusement, noted that the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center had recently taken down nearly 9,000 illegal gambling sites but also reported more than 11,000 still operating in the country. “The fight against the accessibility of gambling to the public is far from over, and we will do our best to work with the private sector and other stakeholders to come up with a holistic approach in addressing this problem,” he said.
While senators remain divided on whether regulation or outright prohibition is the solution, all agree that unchecked online gambling poses severe risks. Gatchalian and Aquino emphasized social harms such as addiction, crime, and mental health issues, while Tulfo called for practical restrictions to reduce accessibility.
“Our phones and online apps cannot simply be turned into gambling platforms,” Gatchalian warned, while Tulfo insisted, “We are not enemies here. We are allies that should work hand in hand to ensure that the next generation of Filipinos are not gambling addicts.”
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