During a recent Senate session in the Philippines, the Committee on Games and Amusement issued a show-cause directive to Meta Platforms Inc. (Facebook’s Parent Company) for failing to attend a pivotal hearing focused on the surge of illegal online gambling activities across social media.
The inquiry follows the government’s earlier crackdown on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), which has coincided with a noticeable increase in unauthorized online gambling promotions.
Senator Erwin Tulfo, who led the hearing, expressed strong disapproval upon receiving Meta’s letter of apology, which offered to reschedule a meeting rather than appear before the committee. Tulfo criticized the tech giant’s absence, interpreting it as a disregard for the legislative process. “They don’t get to decide when they show up,” he said, warning that a subpoena could be issued if Meta continued to avoid participation.
Senator Risa Hontiveros echoed Tulfo’s frustration, recommending that Meta Philippines be formally required to justify its absence and explain why it should not face legal compulsion to appear.
Meta’s Response
Meta’s response, signed by public policy manager Genixon David, cited scheduling conflicts and noted that its experts on gambling policy are based in Singapore and the U.S. Nonetheless, the company affirmed its commitment to addressing the issue and proposed future discussions, including the submission of a policy paper tailored to the Philippine context.
Tulfo emphasized the urgency of the matter, revealing that approximately 65% of Filipinos are regularly exposed to gambling-related content online. He called for decisive action, suggesting either a complete ban on online gambling or the implementation of stricter regulatory measures. At the same time, he acknowledged the complexity of the issue, noting the need to balance public health concerns against the potential revenue from gambling taxes, which support essential services such as healthcare and sports programs.
Does Facebook Offer Gambling Apps?
Facebook does not offer real-money mobile gambling apps directly through its platform. While there were instances in the past, particularly in the UK, where real-money gambling was briefly supported, those services have since been discontinued.
Instead, Facebook hosts a variety of freemium social gambling games that simulate casino-style experiences, including poker, slots, and sports betting. These games are designed for entertainment and typically use virtual currency, not actual cash. Players can often purchase in-game credits, but these cannot be cashed out as winnings.