Philippines’ president announces igaming conference
Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has said he will create a national conference to tackle the issue of igaming addiction in the country.
The conference will aim to develop a policy on igaming. It comes at a time when there are growing concerns about the industry’s effect on the nation’s youth.
Speaking on his podcast on Thursday, the President discussed the issue’s absence from his recent State of the Nation Address and explained that a policy is in development.
The president also said it was important to include many different sectors, including religious leaders from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines and parents, as young people were particularly vulnerable.
“Let’s focus on that. What we’re trying to solve is that, exactly, that people don’t end up drowning in debt, those who can’t really afford it but get dragged into gambling. Kids who are learning to gamble. Let’s focus on that. How do we stop it?” Marcos said.
He warned that a total ban could push the activity underground, making it harder to regulate and said that it was necessary to speak to the regulators.
He also drew a distinction between the now-banned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators and the wider igaming sector, citing fewer associated crimes but underscoring the urgent need to address its social consequences.
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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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