Calls for Online Gambling Ban Grow Louder
MANILA, Philippines — Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) Executive Director Gilberto Cruz strongly backs the push for an online gambling ban, emphasizing how it devastates countless families. Cruz shared that he has spoken with numerous families affected by relatives addicted to online betting.
“If you have a cellphone, it’s like having your own casino. I think that ban is for me—a total ban—because so many families have been destroyed because of online gambling. I’ve talked to many OFW families complaining about their father or mother being addicted to it,” Cruz said during a forum on Wednesday. The phrase “online gambling ban” resonates as a crucial step to protect vulnerable households.
Family Struggles Highlight Urgent Need
Cruz pointed out that the issue of online gambling often unfolds within families. Most complaints come from wives concerned about their husbands or children worried about their parents’ addiction. This reveals how deeply online gambling problems affect family dynamics.
If the government proceeds with an online gambling ban, Cruz assured that PAOCC will support law enforcement efforts, similar to their assistance during the crackdown on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). “We can provide intel reports that law enforcement agencies may use to curb the proliferation of online gambling,” he added.
Mixed Operators Fuel the Problem
The PAOCC chief noted that illegal online gambling operators include both Filipinos and foreigners, complicating enforcement efforts. This mix calls for coordinated action to effectively dismantle these networks.
Legislative Moves Target Online Gambling
Earlier this month, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri filed a bill proposing a total ban on online gambling in the Philippines. He described the activity as a “silent epidemic” quietly harming Filipinos, especially minors and vulnerable groups.
Zubiri’s Anti-Online Gambling Act of 2025 seeks to prohibit all forms of online betting. This includes digital platforms, mobile apps, and websites that facilitate wagers via phones, tablets, and computers.
Meanwhile, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian introduced a bill on July 1 aiming to tighten regulations on online gambling. His proposal bans gambling sponsorships for public events and political campaigns. It also mandates that a portion of regulatory fees fund rehabilitation centers for gambling addiction.
The bill sets a minimum cash-in requirement to limit impulsive gambling through e-wallets and raises the minimum gambling age from 18 to 21.
Health Sector Supports Online Gambling Ban
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa expressed his support for these measures, highlighting that online gambling addiction is a serious mental health concern. He underscored the need for both preventive and rehabilitative approaches to address the growing problem.
The online gambling ban debate continues to gain momentum as lawmakers, government officials, and health experts unite to protect Filipino families from the harms of digital betting.
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