Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero reaffirmed that the Senate will deliberate on measures calling for either a total ban or stricter regulation of online gambling in the Philippines.
Escudero, a critic of the online gambling industry, stated, “In banning POGOs over foreign-linked gambling, shouldn’t we be equally concerned about local activities?” He noted that three to four bills targeting Philippine inland gaming (PIGOs) have already been filed and will soon be a topic of debate and vote.
Senator JV Ejercito, meanwhile, called for a coordinated crackdown on illegal gambling, urging the Department of the Interior and Local Government, law enforcement, and local governments to tighten cooperation.
Crackdown On eWallets
Senator Ejercito also pressed the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), e-wallet platforms, and financial service providers to immediately restrict access to online gambling platforms and close regulatory gaps. Ejercito emphasized the BSP’s ability to issue directives that shield minors from gambling via digital channels.
In March, Escudero also pushed for a review of Philippine Inland Gaming Operators (PIGOs), raising concerns that some may have rebranded following the shutdown of POGOs. He called on PAGCOR to conduct a transparent assessment of PIGOs’ social and economic impact.
Catholic Church Calls For Total Ban Of Online Gambling
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) recently went on record throwing their support for a total online gambling ban in the Philippines. Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David said the rapid spread of online gambling has had negative social impacts on many players. He also stated that unlicensed operators are exploitative and compared workers forced into the industry with modern-day slavery.
Online Gambling Options In The Philippines
In the Philippines, both offshore and domestic casinos are allowed to accept players legally and offer their services. Since there are no Philippine gambling laws that prohibit the use of offshore sites, players can legally wager with any online site that is licensed by PAGCOR or another trusted gaming regulatory authority.
PH players have the options to wager on sports, casino games, or poker games online. You can also find live dealer casino games, including blackjack, poker, roulette, and more. Some sites will even accept horse racing bets for popular international events hosted around the world.