REPRESENTATIVE Brian Poe has called for an investigation into the rising social issues associated with online gambling in the Philippines. His resolution aims to confront the growing challenges from illegal online gambling activities and safeguard citizens from their potential harms.
“It’s about time we began investigating the crippling effects of online gambling on society, especially illegal or unregulated online gambling,” Poe said.
“Reports indicate a sharp rise in gambling-related debt, family strife, school dropouts, and mental health issues linked to unregulated online platforms,” Congressman Poe stated, emphasizing the urgent need for scrutiny and action. Research from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, PAGCOR, and organizations like the IMF and WHO stresses that gambling addiction, particularly fueled by online access, poses serious mental health concerns.
Unregulated offshore gambling operators not only curtail state revenue but also promote organized crime and money laundering, overshadowing any economic benefits. A closer look is needed at how financial institutions and electronic platforms contribute to online gambling proliferation.
The inquiry will evaluate the effectiveness of current laws such as the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act and the Cybercrime Prevention Act against regulation-evading tactics like VPNs.
Congressman Poe’s resolution underscores constitutional mandates for family welfare and youth protection, essential given the Philippine gaming industry’s substantial growth to ₱410.47 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR) in 2024, with predictions rising further through 2025.
The accessibility of online gambling, fueled by the rise of e-wallets and cryptocurrency, poses significant risks, particularly to minors and low-income individuals who are increasingly targeted by unregulated platforms.
Poe’s resolution seeks to address these urgent issues, advocating for protective measures and legislative responses to mitigate the negative impacts of online gambling on Filipino citizens, especially the youth.
