Senator Files Bill to Ban Online Gambling
Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri has introduced a bill aiming to ban online gambling in the Philippines, describing it as a “silent epidemic” that quietly harms many Filipinos, especially minors and vulnerable groups. The Anti-Online Gambling Act of 2025 seeks to address the growing dangers of digital betting platforms.
The senator emphasized that while the government has already shut down Philippine offshore gaming operators, a more insidious threat has emerged inside homes: online gambling. “Let’s not kid ourselves. Gambling addiction looks different now. It no longer looks like a person getting addicted to a casino or a cab. It now looks like a kid with a phone under the covers at 2 a.m., losing the family’s grocery money on an online casino site,” Zubiri said in a mix of Filipino and English.
Scope of the Anti-Online Gambling Act
This proposed bill seeks to prohibit all forms of online gambling within the country. It targets digital betting platforms, mobile applications, and websites that allow users to place wagers through phones, tablets, or computers.
The legislation also mandates that Internet Service Providers, mobile network operators, and digital platforms must block access to gambling sites and remove related apps within 72 hours after receiving notice from the Department of Justice or the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation. Failure to comply may lead to penalties such as fines, suspension, or revocation of licenses.
Concerns Over Gambling Advertisements and Youth Impact
Zubiri pointed out the widespread presence of online casino advertisements, even within popular payment wallets. “We see a lot of online casino ads in our payment wallets. Famous artists even endorse them. You can see the memes of what they call ‘scatter’ on social media. These memes make a parody of people losing a lot of money in online gambling,” he noted.
More alarmingly, the senator highlighted the effect on young people. “The unfortunate thing here is not only the adults who are addicted to vice. Our young people are also involved. Children are learning to lie, to steal, to cheat just to fund their next bet,” he added.
The bill reflects growing concerns among lawmakers and community leaders about the social costs of online gambling, particularly among the youth.
For more news and updates on the Anti-Online Gambling Act, visit Filipinokami.com.