Philippine Palace calls for data-driven review of online gambling
The office of the Philippines President has called for a data-driven study of online gambling in the country before any significant policy changes.
The announcement follows criticism of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s silence on the issue during his recent State of the Nation Address.
Speaking at a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said that the administration wants to fully understand the source of gambling-related problems before taking action, emphasizing the need for a thorough analysis.
The statement comes after new calls from lawmakers and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines for a complete ban on online gambling. Critics say that the social costs of online gambling outweigh the revenue that it generates for the state.
Additionally, Education Secretary Sonny Angara mirrored concerns made by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, stressing that there needs to be tighter regulation on gambling to protect minors and students.
But Castro cautioned against blanket shutdowns of licensed operators, pointing out that some legal platforms contribute to public services, including student support programs.
She also raised the issue of the persistence of illegal e-sabong gambling, despite its official ban, showing that enforcing the existing rules on gambling may be the main issue.
Likewise, Alejandro Tengco, Chairman of the Philippines’ gambling regulator, PAGCOR, argued that a total ban could cost the government more than PHP100 billion (US$1.74 billion)1 PHP = 0.0174 USD
2025-08-04Powered by CMG CurrenShift in annual revenue.
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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.
