Only 12% of Filipino Online Gamblers Understand the Risks
In July, optimism rose among Filipino gambling enthusiasts following a survey indicating that over half of the 1,000 respondents preferred using regulated and licensed gambling sites for safety and legitimacy.
However, a recent study by sociocultural research firm The Fourth Wall presents a more cautious picture. It reveals that many Filipino online gamblers do not fully comprehend the dangers of unregulated gambling platforms, exposing themselves to financial risks, scams, and underage access issues.
Limited Awareness of Risks Among Online Gamblers
The research, which surveyed 400 online gamblers across Mega Manila, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao, found that 55% of participants were unaware of the legal consequences of using illegal gambling websites. Another 33% admitted to having only a limited understanding.
Only 12% of respondents felt clear about the rules and risks involved. According to John Brylle L. Bae, research director at The Fourth Wall, players tend to prioritize trust over legality when choosing platforms.
He explained that factors such as confidence, fairness, and perceived chances of winning influence player behavior more than compliance or platform features. This trend helps explain why many continue to use unregulated sites despite uncertainty and risks.
Unregulated Sites Draw More Frequent and Higher Stakes Play
In August, The Fourth Wall’s research also highlighted that illegal gambling sites typically offer about 72% more game options compared to regulated platforms, attracting heavier player engagement.
About 41% of surveyed gamblers reported playing two to three times a week on unregulated platforms, while nearly one-third played four or more times weekly. Bets commonly ranged from PHP 100 (approximately $1.72) to PHP 499 ($8.58), but larger bets of PHP 1,000 ($17.20) or higher were almost exclusively placed on illegal sites.
Losses followed a similar trend, with mid- to high-value losses being most common, and major losses exceeding PHP 5,000 ($86.01) occurring primarily on unregulated platforms. Financial losses were cited as the main reason for quitting by about 41% of players and complicates responsible gambling efforts.
The study categorized players into four groups: “high-stakes losers” (44%) who placed large bets but lost more than they won; “perceived winners” (28%) who believed their wins outweighed losses; “casual break-even players” (17%) who gambled lightly; and “regulated converts” (11%) who preferred regulated sites but still used unregulated ones.
Factors Attracting Players to Unregulated Platforms
Most respondents were aged between 26 and 45, generally lower-income earners with family responsibilities, who viewed gambling primarily as a form of recreation.
Players were attracted to unregulated sites for their wide variety of games, fast transaction processes, easy payment methods, and frequent promotional offers. Over 90% registered with minimal verification, sometimes only providing a phone number or email, while about 80% recognized the absence of betting limits, which increases risks for vulnerable players.
These sites often lacked fairness certifications, and player complaints frequently remained unresolved.
John Brylle L. Bae suggested that policies should focus on making safer, regulated options more appealing and accessible rather than punishing players. Recommendations include better communication about player protections, establishing dependable complaint resolution systems, and designing responsible promotions to encourage the use of licensed platforms.
