Consumer Groups Call for Smarter Digital Regulation
MANILA, Philippines — Consumer advocates are urging a smarter digital regulation approach to tackle illegal gambling operations instead of enforcing an outright ban. Groups like Bantay Konsyumer, Kalsada, Kuryente (BK3) and Konsyumer at Mamamayan (KM) warn that a total shutdown could drive online gambling underground, making it harder for authorities to monitor and more prone to exploitation.
They emphasize that smarter digital regulation is crucial to balance control without pushing these operations into untraceable platforms. According to sources, banning online gambling outright risks pushing illegal operators further out of reach.
Rethinking the Ban: A Call for Tougher Oversight
Advocates are urging lawmakers to reconsider proposals that call for a total ban on online gambling. Instead, they recommend implementing robust digital governance backed by advanced control systems. “People are right to be concerned about the harms tied to gambling,” said Atty. Karry Sison, BK3 Convenor, in a statement.
She added, “But simply banning something operating in cyberspace will not work, as illegal online gaming sites operating from abroad, beyond our laws, will still be able to spread harmful software and steal user data.”
Challenges in Policing Illegal Gambling Sites
Sison explained that despite the government blocking thousands of illegal gambling sites, many resurface with new web addresses and offshore servers. “You can shut down one site today, and it’s replaced by another tomorrow,” she noted. “This is why we need systems that track and stop these operators before they reach our screens. This is a cybersecurity issue, and we should treat it as such.”
Unregulated gambling platforms often become gateways for fraudulent activities, including human exploitation, due to lack of oversight, according to advocacy groups. “Banning regulated platforms does not remove the risk—it just shifts it somewhere harder to see and harder to control,” Sison emphasized.
The Role of Digital Financial Services in Enforcement
KM Convenor Danilo Lorenzo “Ren” DeLos Santos highlighted the potential of digital financial tools, especially mobile wallets, in enforcing regulations. “E-wallets are used every day by ordinary Filipinos,” he said.
He added, “With the right rules in place, they can help detect unusual patterns like frequent betting, underage users, or suspicious accounts. Deploying these tools can give regulators the visibility they need to act fast.”
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