MANILA, Philippines — The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has intensified scrutiny on the growth of online gambling in the country, emphasizing serious consequences on families and futures. The CBCP call for a ban on all online gambling highlights the mounting concern over its social impact, especially on the youth.
Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David issued a strong statement: “No tax revenue is worth the shattered lives, families, and futures lost to gambling addiction.” This response came after the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) addressed his concerns following the CBCP’s denunciation of the expanding e-gambling industry.
Pagcor’s Response and Responsible Gaming Efforts
In a letter dated July 3, Pagcor assured that it and its licensees promote responsible gaming. The agency stressed that protecting player health and safety is vital for sustaining the gaming industry. Pagcor also mentioned that tackling the social risks of gambling requires cooperation among multiple sectors, as no single entity can solve the problem alone.
Despite acknowledging this multi-sectoral approach, Cardinal David focused on the government’s moral responsibility. He argued that when the government acts simultaneously as promoter, regulator, and beneficiary of gambling revenues, it becomes complicit in the harms it claims to prevent.
Online Gambling Is Not a Necessity
Pagcor explained that the pandemic accelerated a shift toward digital consumer behavior, leading the agency to extend its oversight to online gambling through regulatory guidelines. Nevertheless, Cardinal David stressed that gambling is “not a basic necessity,” even in a digital age. He described it as a vice that profits “from human vulnerability and loss.”
The Cardinal also raised concerns about how easily children can access online gambling. While Pagcor enforces accreditation rules requiring basic information from service providers, it admitted that minors might still use gambling accounts under family members’ names or access illegal sites.
David emphasized this point, stating, “This fact alone shows how unenforceable online age barriers really are. Unlike physical casinos, the home itself becomes the gambling venue — hidden from parents and guardians.”
CBCP’s Commitment and Government’s Role
Reaffirming the CBCP’s dedication to shielding vulnerable populations, especially the poor and youth, Cardinal David questioned, “What future do we build when we normalize and dress it up as entertainment?” His concerns underscore the moral crisis the CBCP associates with online gambling’s rise.
Despite public calls for a total ban on online gambling, President Marcos did not mention the issue in his recent State of the Nation Address. The Palace clarified that the President continues to evaluate the matter’s complexities before taking a firm stance.
Meanwhile, lawmakers have introduced bills aiming to prohibit online gambling altogether since the opening of the 20th Congress.
For more news and updates on online gambling, visit Filipinokami.com.
