Lawmakers Push to Restrict Online Gambling Accessibility
Several party-list representatives in the 20th Congress have called on the government to reduce online gambling accessibility amid rising concerns over its easy availability through e-wallet platforms. The move aims to protect Filipinos, especially the youth, from falling prey to online gambling’s financial and social risks.
Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon and Akbayan Party-list Reps. Chel Diokno and Percival Cendaña stressed the need to tighten regulations on cash-in points for online games. “Online gambling transactions should be prohibited on e-wallet platforms such as GCash and Maya, as well as through banking apps,” Ridon said. “This measure intends to prevent ordinary Filipinos—especially the youth—from easy access to gambling sites.”
Protecting Families from Gambling Harm
The lawmakers’ concerns echo the warnings of religious leaders who lamented the government’s failure to shield Filipinos from gambling addiction. Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David recently highlighted the surge of gambling addiction among the youth, urging stronger protections.
Ridon added, “The government must make it harder for people to spend their hard-earned money on activities that often lead to financial hardship and family breakdown.” Meanwhile, Diokno and Cendaña proposed a bill to strictly regulate online gambling by enforcing age restrictions and cutting off e-wallet access.
Calls for Stricter Online Gambling Regulations
Diokno emphasized the stakes involved, saying, “In gambling, it is not chips or money, but dreams that are at stake. Every cash-in on e-gambling apps means families ruined and young people’s dreams shattered.” Cendaña questioned the normalization of gambling, noting billboards promoting e-gambling have replaced ads for essential goods. “It’s no surprise that instead of buying necessities, many spend their salaries on gambling,” he said.
The lawmakers stressed that cash-ins for gambling are not the same as buying mobile game credits, and thus require stricter control. Diokno explained, “This is not a simple in-app purchase; the government should impose access restrictions similar to those in casinos.”
Senate Action and Proposed Deposit Limits
On the Senate side, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian recently filed a bill aiming to reduce online gambling accessibility through tighter regulations. He also urged relevant agencies to intensify efforts to block illegal gaming websites.
Ridon supported Gatchalian’s proposal requiring a minimum initial deposit of P10,000 to access gambling platforms, saying, “This will help prevent young people from easily entering gambling sites. Operators should have independent payment systems with strict know-your-customer protocols and higher minimum cash-in thresholds.”
“Family incomes should be protected for essentials like food, shelter, education, and healthcare—not drained by online gambling platforms that yield no productive benefits,” Ridon added.
For more news and updates on online gambling accessibility, visit Filipinokami.com.
