Potential Job Losses and Industry Concerns Over Possible Online Gambling Ban in the Philippines
Industry Voices Warning Against Complete Online Gambling Ban in the Philippines
Representatives from the gambling sector have urged the Philippine government to reconsider any plans for a full ban on online gambling. They emphasize that while the industry has much at stake, the broader economic consequences of such a ban could be severe.
Impact on Employment and Innovation
According to local reports, such as from the Philippine Star, a ban could eliminate up to 50,000 jobs. Beyond job losses, opponents of the ban caution that it could also hamper technological progress and result in the loss of skilled IT positions.
Social Concerns and Opposition
The Catholic Church in the Philippines along with some lawmakers have expressed opposition to Internet gambling. They argue that the social damage caused by the industry outweighs any potential benefits, highlighting the moral debate surrounding the issue.
Focus Should be on Offshore Operators, Not Licensed Ones
Industry advocates and some pragmatic legislators suggest that focus should not be on shutting down licensed Philippine gambling companies. Instead, the government should strengthen oversight and enforcement against offshore operators who target Filipino players without regulation.
Warnings About Push Toward Illegal Markets
Tonet Quiogue, CEO of Arden Consult, notes that legal operators in the country follow strict global standards such as thorough know-your-customer (KYC) checks, age verification, self-exclusion tools, and real-time activity monitoring. Banning legal sites, he argues, would likely drive players to unregulated black-market platforms where protections are minimal and gambling impacts are harder to monitor.
Public Opinion on Gambling Regulation
Recent surveys reveal that most Filipinos favor safe, regulated gambling environments. Only about 18% support a total ban, suggesting that many view prohibition as outdated and ineffective for addressing gambling-related issues.
Demand for Stricter Controls with Consumer Protection
The public majority supports enhanced regulation, advocating for tougher rules on advertising, payment processing, and promoting responsible gambling practices. However, they recognize that these measures alone may not counter the appeal of offshore gambling platforms.
Challenges in Competing with Offshore Operators
The central challenge lies in how offshore operators attract certain players by offering more enticing options than those available through legal channels. Addressing this competitive imbalance is critical for the Philippines in establishing a sustainable and responsible gambling market that reduces social and economic harms.