Philippine Authorities Crack Down on Illegal Gambling, Arresting Over 2,500 Suspects

July 25, 2025
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Massive Police Crackdown on Illegal Gambling in the Philippines

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) recently announced the arrest of 2,573 individuals suspected of participating in unauthorized gambling activities over a two-month period. During these operations, authorities confiscated illegal betting proceeds totaling approximately PHP 568,992, equivalent to around $9,800 USD.

Details of the Enforcement Campaign

Between June 2 and July 23, the NCRPO carried out 1,119 anti-illegal gambling raids across its five districts. These efforts led to 270 arrests specifically related to illegal numbers games, yielding seized bets of about PHP 97,160 (approximately $1,675). The total confiscated gambling money during the campaign reached nearly PHP 569,000.

The police highlighted that various forms of unauthorized betting remain illegal under Presidential Decree 1602. This includes unlicensed cockfighting, jueteng (a traditional illegal numbers game prevalent in rural and low-income urban regions), bingo, and unauthorized lotteries, all of which are subject to increased penalties.

Law enforcement encouraged citizens to report suspected illegal gambling activities by contacting the emergency hotline. They also reassured the public that such crackdowns will continue as part of ongoing crime suppression strategies throughout the year.

Overview of Gambling Practices in the Philippines

The Philippines maintains a complex stance on gambling. While some forms are regulated and legally sanctioned by government bodies, many betting activities remain banned yet continue to be widely practiced.

One of the most popular prohibited games is jueteng, a local lottery-style game prevalent especially in rural Filipino communities. Originating possibly during the Spanish colonial era through Chinese entrepreneurs, jueteng involves selecting two numbers from 1 to 37. The game uses small numbered balls called bolitas, which are drawn from a basket in the presence of witnesses. This game is estimated to generate as much as $500 million annually.

The Rise of Online Gambling and Public Concern

In recent years, online casinos have significantly grown in popularity across the country. While digital gambling platforms offer a chance for better regulation if managed properly, they can also pose heightened risks to players.

Fortunately, awareness about the potential dangers of online gambling is increasing among Filipinos. Surveys indicate a growing consciousness regarding the risks involved with internet betting.

However, opposition to online gambling remains strong. Prominent voices, including influential social institutions like the Catholic Church, have expressed concern. The Catholic Bishops92 Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has openly criticized online gambling and has called for a total ban.

Ongoing Debate Around Gambling in the Philippines

Gambling continues to spark lively discussions among policymakers and the public alike. The balance between regulation, cultural tradition, and concerns over illegal activities remains a challenging issue.