Bishop urges Filipino lawmakers to act against igaming
Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, has urged lawmakers to take action against igaming.
In a speech this week, Bishop David criticized President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for remaining silent on igaming in his recent State of the Nation Address. His address came a week after Cebu archbishop Alberto Uy urged the president to consider a total gambling ban.
Bishop David warned that the rapid spread of digital gambling platforms, including bingo and sports betting, is undermining existing legal protections that are supposed to shield the public, particularly young people, from impulsive gambling.
“Digital access is public access,” David said. “Online gambling platforms like ebingo, egames, and sports betting are now accessible 24/7 to anyone with a smartphone — whether in their bedroom, on a jeepney, or even inside a classroom.”
Quoting Section 10 of Republic Act 9487, the law that governs the national regulator, PAGCOR, David reminded lawmakers that gambling equipment is only permitted in specific venues like three-star hotels and resorts. He said that the same restrictions should apply to online platforms.
Igaming was legalized in the country in 2016, but Marcos Jr. amended the rules, banning overseas operators last year. Local versions of casino games and sports betting are permitted.
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Charlotte Capewell brings her passion for storytelling and expertise in writing, researching, and the gambling industry to every article she writes. Her specialties include the US gambling industry, regulator legislation, igaming, and more.
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