The local online gambling industry in the Philippines is facing unprecedented policy pressure, with the Presidential Palace, legislative bodies, regulatory agencies, churches, and civic groups converging to form a powerful "ban coalition".
President Marcos Jr. has indicated that he is "thoroughly studying" the feasibility of a comprehensive ban, and has not stopped at just strengthening regulations. Inside the Congress, multiple bills are being pushed forward, ranging from increasing taxes, standardizing regulations to directly imposing a comprehensive ban, with policy stances becoming increasingly aggressive.
Regulatory agencies are also tightening measures in sync. The Central Bank of the Philippines (BSP) has set limits on online gambling payments, cooling-off periods, and identity verification; the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) requires social platforms to remove gambling content. These actions are not only strengthening regulations but may also be paving the way for a ban.
The Department of Finance has proposed a 10% heavy tax on legal digital gambling, and although the President has expressed support, it is widely believed that this move may be a transitional plan before the ban. Some officials warn that banning legal platforms may inadvertently aid the growth of illegal gambling.
The most socially influential Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) strongly urges the government to completely ban online gambling, calling it a "new plague" and a "public health crisis" that poses a serious threat to society and morality. The Caritas organization also reports that cases of online gambling addiction continue to rise, providing real evidence to support the ban.
On the political front, several heavyweight senators, including Zubiri, Hontiveros, Cayetano, and Gatchalian, have proposed or supported the "2025 Anti-Online Gambling Act", demanding a complete ban on platform access and transactions, and restricting e-wallets and super apps from participating in gambling activities.
This political momentum has already shaken the market. DIGIplus (parent company of BingoPlus and ArenaPlus), which targets the local market, saw its stock price plummet by 57%, widely attributed to the "rising calls for a comprehensive ban". The company has initiated a buyback plan and plans to enter Brazil to hedge risks, indirectly reflecting its pessimistic expectations for the local outlook.
Although offshore gambling (POGO) has been banned, related corruption cases still affect public opinion. For example, the Alice Guo case has raised questions about systemic issues in the gambling industry, and the Catholic Church has accused the government, media, and business community of "condoning the proliferation of gambling", questioning whether there is interest transmission involved.
Senator Tulf urges an investigation into officials involved in gambling, further intensifying public concerns about the transparency and legality of the industry.
In summary, various sectors of Philippine society are forming an unprecedented consensus against online gambling, especially under simultaneous pressure from religious, political, and market forces. Local legal online gambling (including PAGCOR and PIGO) faces a high risk of being completely banned. Regulatory actions are converging with the ban, and corruption suspicions make it harder for the government to set aside pressure, with the issuance of the ban being just a matter of time.
