Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is drafting a law that will penalize not only operators of illegal online gambling sites but also promoters such as influencers, advertisers, and e-wallet providers.
He cited findings that many endorsers unknowingly promote illegal gambling platforms, which pose risks to public welfare and avoid paying taxes.
While Gatchalian’s bill targets those linked to illegal gambling, other senators like Juan Miguel Zubiri and Loren Legarda are pushing for a total ban on all forms of online gambling due to its social harms.
In contrast, PAGCOR and consumer groups like CitizenWatch Philippines advocate for smarter regulation instead of outright bans, emphasizing the economic benefits and the need to protect players through technology.
They propose using AI and fintech tools to enforce responsible gambling while preserving revenues that fund public programs.
Source: PhilNews24 | July 20, 2025
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