A Call for Meaningful Oversight in Online Gambling
In recent years, we witnessed a significant rise in online gaming and gambling activity, enabled by rapid digitalization, widespread smartphone use, and the growth of financial technology (fintech) platforms. What began as casual digital entertainment has expanded into a sprawling ecosystem that now includes mobile gaming with in-app purchases, online betting and digital casinos, play-to-earn platforms and crypto-integrated games and remote gambling services (including horseracing fast bets, online bingo, banned e-sabong and international POGOs).
But this just highlighted the serious lack of consumer awareness. Many users cannot distinguish between entertainment, gaming, and gambling—especially when platforms blur these lines through game mechanics or digital rewards, ultimately increasing gambling addiction among our citizens. This made families suffer from overspending, debt accumulation and damaging addictive behaviors , especially among low-income users including minors.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), for one, regulates gambling, allowing it to generate significant revenue while also acknowledging the addiction problem. This agency says it has implemented various interventions to combat gambling addiction, but the issue persists.
Truthfully, blaming online platforms for gambling addiction is overly simplistic, as addiction is influenced by economic and sociological factors. Studies show that lower-income individuals often gamble to address financial insecurity, and online communities can exacerbate existing addictions. Thus, even if access to online gambling is restricted, the underlying issues will remain. Existing frameworks are often outdated or inconsistent across sectors, leaving users exposed to predatory practices and non-compliant operators.
Government regulation is indeed essential to address gambling addiction effectively. It can impose limits on gambling activities, streamline agency responsibilities, and foster strict collaboration with all concerned sectors private sectors including advocacy groups and rehabilitation centers. This cooperation can help combat illicit gambling activities like horseracing and sabong bookies. But to tackle online gambling addiction, everybody must first acknowledge the permanence of online gambling in today’s society and with it, the pressing need for its meaningful regulation. Attempts to outright ban online gaming or gambling platforms tend to be counterproductive. It drives underground or illegal activities thru unregulated and informal channels out of reach or illicitly protected by corrupt government entities. And then, of course, there are missed revenues.
Rather than prohibition, a principles-based regulatory approach must be adopted. There should be clear distinction between gaming and gambling, establishing uniform definitions and categories can help standardize regulation across platforms. There should be adequate protection of minors thru mandatory user identification and also other consumer protection mechanics such as spending limits, behavior monitoring , exclusion options and transparency in digital game designs. It is imperative for various stakeholders to engage in deep dive discussions about regulating this form of gambling. This collaborative approach can lead to more informed and effective policies that consider the diverse perspectives and experiences of online gambling addicts. By actively participating, stakeholders can help shape regulations that not only mitigate the risks associated with gambling but also promote responsible gaming practices. Addressing online gambling addiction requires a comprehensive strategy that involves the entire society.
In addition to local efforts, international collaboration can provide valuable insights and strategies for addressing gambling addiction. By engaging with global organizations and learning from the experiences of other countries, best practices and innovative solutions can be tailored to our unique context. For instance, Singapore’s responsible gaming campaign emphasizes the role of families and educational institutions in preventing gambling addiction. Similarly, Indonesia’s collaboration between government, healthcare providers, and gambling operators showcases the importance of a multi-faceted approach. By fostering partnerships across various sectors, we can create a robust support system for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.
Our government must invest in support systems that provide assistance to those affected. This includes funding for rehabilitation programs, counseling services, and hotlines for individuals seeking help. By ensuring that these resources are accessible and well-publicized, the government can facilitate recovery for those struggling with addiction. Furthermore, ongoing monitoring and evaluation of gambling regulations and their impact on addiction rates are essential. This data-driven approach allows continuing assessment of the effectiveness of the existing policies or make necessary adjustments. Emerging trends in gambling behavior must be reviewed constantly to ensure regulations are relevant and effective.
As the landscape of online gambling continues to evolve, so too must the strategies employed to manage its impact on society. By embracing a comprehensive, collaborative, and informed approach, government can mitigate the risks associated with online gambling and foster a culture of responsible gaming that benefits everybody . Ultimately, the goal should be to create a gambling environment that is not only economically beneficial but also socially responsible, ensuring that the well-being of Filipinos remains at the forefront of all regulatory efforts. By fostering a culture of responsible gaming, the government can empower individuals to engage with gambling as a form of entertainment rather than being their most important means of financial salvation.
Constitutional crisis heating up, will lead to a reenacted 2026 budget
This early, I would predict the dark reality of having a “reenacted budget” for next year . This is because of the ongoing clashes between the incoming members of the Senate expected still to be led by SP Chiz Escudero and Speaker Martin Romualdez of the House of Representatives (if they both survive attempts to replace them).
Apart from the dribbling of the articles of impeachment of VP Sara Duterte, another major casualty was the P200 minimum wage increase approved and endorsed by the Lower House to the Senate. And indeed, blames from both sideswere flying in Congress. The story went like this. In the bicameral conference committee, senators insisted that congressmen lower the proposed increase from P200 to P100, which of course the congressmen flatly refused. And so, the wage increased bill was killed. Congressmen blames senators for its murder but the senators retaliated saying congressmen was responsible.
This incident is the main preview of the forthcoming working relationship in the new 20th Congress with its new pro-VP Sara senators and the Lower House le4d by Speaker Romualdez.
If not resolved, we will see a melee among these legislators and with it, accusations and counter accusations will surface on many issues. I think that this will be the most exciting Congress ever in our nation’s history.