The Philippine government is conducting an in-depth assessment on a comprehensive ban on online gambling, and President Marcos Jr. has not yet decided whether to officially announce the ban in his State of the Nation Address on July 28. Executive Secretary Bel Samin stated that the government is weighing the social and economic impacts of online gambling, especially in the context of increasing concerns about addiction issues.
Currently, Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) are still under the ban, but other forms of online gambling are under review. Presidential Spokesperson Castro added that the president is carefully considering the pros and cons of the related policies.
The push for a gambling ban is gaining momentum in Congress, with Senator Raffy Tulfo likening online gambling to a "spreading epidemic" and calling for a clear response from the president in the State of the Nation Address.
However, licensed gambling operators are firmly opposed. On July 17, 14 online operators issued a joint statement, claiming that a comprehensive ban might drive players into the underground black market, thereby weakening regulatory effectiveness. They emphasized that PAGCOR's regulatory system already includes real-name verification, underage protection, and self-exclusion mechanisms, and pointed out that gambling tax revenue is expected to reach 54 billion pesos in 2024. The operators expressed support for stricter regulation but warned the government that the ban might inadvertently boost illegal gambling.
