Philippine lawmakers seek investigation into igaming risks

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Calls are mounting in the Philippines’ House of Representatives for an inquiry into igaming’s regulatory gaps and potential social harms.

Representative Nathaniel Oducado filed House Resolution 42, urging an investigation into igaming’s effects on Filipinos, from financial ruin and mounting debt to mental health struggles and family conflict.

“Lower-income groups are heavily affected, risking poverty perpetuation. It is also important to mention that online gambling poses serious social repercussions, including mental health decline, family conflict and attempted suicide,” he said in a statement.

Representative Brian Poe also introduced House Resolution 40, which focused on unregulated international gambling sites. He warned that these operators drain government revenue and facilitate organized crime and money laundering, a familiar concern given past POGO-related cases.

Both lawmakers flagged the lack of a unified regulatory body overseeing igaming, along with what they see as a weak public health response to gambling addiction. They requested a close look at how e-wallets, internet providers, and payment platforms help enable easy gambling access.

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Congress has proposed stricter rules that would demand an outright ban. PAGCOR argues that carefully managed regulation is the most practical solution, aiming to safeguard vulnerable users while still delivering revenue.

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