Riley Grant

Philippines Targets Influencers Promoting Illegal Online Gambling

March 11, 2026March 10, 2026 by Riley Grant

Philippine authorities are preparing criminal cases against social media influencers accused of promoting illegal online gambling platforms, marking a significant escalation in the country’s crackdown on unlicensed digital betting operations. The initiative is being spearheaded by the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), working alongside the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group and the country’s gaming …

Meet the Filipino Athletes Competing at the 2026 Winter Olympics

February 10, 2026 by Riley Grant

The Philippines will be represented by two alpine skiers at the 2026 Milano–Cortina Winter Olympics, underscoring the nation’s continued progress and visibility in winter sports on the global stage. Tallulah Proulx will compete in the women’s slalom and giant slalom, making history as the first Filipina to qualify for the Winter Olympics and one of …

PAGCOR Sticks to 2026 for Casino Filipino Privatization

January 13, 2026 by Riley Grant

PAGCOR is on track to privatize all Casino Filipino branches by late 2026 or early 2027 and considers the transition achievable. PAGCOR chairman Alejandro Tengco said the sale of the state‑run casinos could generate PHP30 billion to PHP50 billion in revenue, consistent with earlier projections. The gambling regulator aims to achieve its long-term goal by …

Philippines to Launch Problem Gambling Helpline in 2026

December 12, 2025 by Riley Grant

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) has announced plans to set up a 24-hour problem gambling helpline in 2026. Many see this as a major step forward for the country’s growing gaming industry. The new helpline will offer quick counseling and referral services to people harmed by gambling. This shows PAGCOR’s stronger focus on …

Philippine Gambling Revenue Predicted to Surge in 2026

December 11, 2025 by Riley Grant

The gambling industry in the Philippines is expected to grow strongly in 2026, thanks to new casinos opening, more international tourists visiting, and higher interest from local players. Analysts predict that gross gaming revenue could go over $7 billion, making the Philippines Asia’s second-largest gaming market after Macau. This growth follows PAGCOR’s record results in …

Influencers Promoting Online Gambling Could Face Prosecution

November 19, 2025 by Riley Grant

The Philippines’ Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has intensified its operations against the promotion of unauthorized online gambling, releasing a list of influencers and digital accounts alleged to be involved. According to the agency, which is working in partnership with the digital advocacy group Digital Pinoys, the list has been turned over to the …

The Senate is set to examine the impact of online gambling

October 16, 2025 by Riley Grant

In response to growing concerns over the adverse effects of iGaming, the Philippine Senate Committee on Games and Amusement, chaired by Senator Erwin Tulfo, will initiate a formal investigation into the industry. This probe aims to assess the consequences of online gambling and guide legislative decisions on several pending bills that propose tighter controls or …

Philippine Senate Confronts Meta Over Online Gambling Concerns

September 18, 2025 by Riley Grant

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 …

E-Sabong Ban Struggles to Contain Online Cockfighting

August 15, 2025 by Riley Grant

Despite a nationwide prohibition, the Philippines continues to grapple with the enduring popularity of online cockfighting, known locally as e-sabong. The country-wide ban, declared initially by former President Rodrigo Duterte in response to a series of disappearances and alleged murders tied to match-fixing, has failed to extinguish the digital gambling phenomenon. Enforcement Challenges and Legislative …

Online Gambling Crackdown: Philippine Senate Eyes Full Ban

July 22, 2025 by Riley Grant

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 …