Majority of Filipino Online Gamblers Unaware of Dangers on Illegal Gambling Sites

Study Highlights Lack of Awareness Among Filipino Gamblers

A recent investigation by the Filipino sociocultural research group, The Fourth Wall, has revealed that many online gamblers in the Philippines are not fully aware of the hazards associated with unregulated gambling websites. This lack of knowledge exposes them to potential financial losses, breaches of privacy, and risks involving underage gambling.

The research, published recently, found that over half of the surveyed players (55%) admitted they had limited understanding of the legal implications connected with unlicensed platforms. About 33% had some awareness, but only 12% believed that the terms and conditions on these sites were clearly communicated.

An earlier study conducted in July by the same firm indicated that more than half of online gamblers preferred to play on fully licensed and regulated websites, demonstrating an interest in safer gambling environments.

Lack of Understanding Leads to Distrust

The study also showed that without a thorough understanding of the risks, players find it difficult to trust unregulated gambling platforms. Only 27% of participants expressed confidence in the fairness of these sites, while 39% were skeptical. Another 28% remained neutral, highlighting widespread uncertainty.

Overall, about one-third of players were undecided about their experience, and more than a quarter felt uneasy rather than confident while gambling on these platforms.

Surveys included hundreds of users from urban centers such as Mega Manila, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao who were active on unregulated gambling sites. According to John Brylle L. Bae, director of The Fourth Wall, players’ decisions are influenced more by their personal perceptions than by the specific features of the gambling platforms.

He explained, “Confidence in the platform’s fairness and the possibility of winning are more important to players than technical aspects like betting limits or affiliate incentives. This is why many continue to play despite the uncertainties.”

Frequent Gambling with Higher Risks

The research further found that players on unregulated sites tend to gamble more often and bet larger amounts. Approximately 41% of users play two to three times weekly, with nearly one-third gambling four or more times a week.

The typical bets range from PHP 100 (about $1.74) to PHP 499 ($8.70), with some bets reaching PHP 1,000 ($17.43). This high-stakes behavior often leads to financial losses, as reported by 41% of those who decided to stop gambling.

The majority of gamblers were between the ages of 26 and 45, mostly from lower-income groups, and viewed gambling as a casual pastime. Participants were categorized into four groups: 44% as “high-stakes losers,” 28% as “perceived winners,” 17% as “casual break-even players,” and 11% as “regulated converts.”

When it comes to platform preference, Bingo Plus was the most popular regulated site (32%), while JiliBet led among unregulated platforms (28%). Gamblers favored unregulated sites because they offered a broader selection of games, quicker transactions, and frequent promotions, although they seldom prioritized trust or reputation when choosing where to play.

The study also identified serious safety issues: 65% of players never encountered any fairness certification, over 90% registered with minimal identity verification, and 80% experienced no limits on their bets.

John Brylle L. Bae emphasized, “Player trust, more than legal status, drives gambling behavior. Increasing transparency around protections, fairness, and user rights could encourage more players to choose regulated and safer gambling options.”