Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is reviewing mounting calls for a total ban on online gambling in the nation, with lawmakers hoping he will announce his position during his State of the Nation Address on July 28th.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed on Tuesday that the President is carefully weighing the potential economic and social impacts of such a move.
Senator Raffy Tulfo has joined other legislators in calling for a complete prohibition on online gambling, describing it as an “epidemic” that requires immediate government action. He expressed hope that Marcos will address the country’s worsening online gambling problem in his upcoming SONA.
According to ABS-CBN News, Castro explained that the administration is taking a measured approach to the issue, considering both regulatory and economic implications. She noted that a hasty decision could lead to a rise in illegal online gaming sites, which may pose greater risks than regulated platforms.
The push for a total ban comes as multiple lawmakers have filed bills seeking to outlaw online gambling entirely. Manila Representative Benny Abante has introduced House Bill 1876, which aims to ban both online gambling and offsite betting. He described online gambling as a “virus” that threatens the moral fabric of society and financially devastates Filipino families.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri has filed a similar bill as part of his priority legislation, while Tulfo has also announced plans to introduce his own measure, favoring an outright ban rather than mere regulation. He further emphasized that government officials linked to the proliferation of online gambling should be investigated.
The call for prohibition has drawn responses from major industry players. Operators Solaire Resort, Newport World Resorts, and Okada Manila issued a joint statement asserting that their operations are regulated and responsibly managed. They highlighted their compliance with The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) regulations and noted their substantial contributions to Philippine tourism, with each company investing at least one billion dollars.
Top gaming lawyer Tonet Quiogue and PAGCOR have also voiced opposition to proposals for a complete prohibition of online gambling in the Philippines. PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco argued that stricter regulations rather than an outright ban would better serve the country’s interests while preserving substantial government revenue and employment opportunities. Meanwhile, Quiogue argued that banning regulated platforms may drive users toward unregulated black-market sites.
It is also worth recalling that in Marcos’s 2024 SONA, he announced a total ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
The Palace has previously indicated that Marcos was open to the Department of Finance’s proposal to impose taxes on the online gaming sector. However, current deliberations suggest a more restrictive stance may now be under consideration. The President’s final position is expected to be clarified in his upcoming address to the nation.
As lawmakers continue to push for a complete ban, the administration faces the challenge of balancing economic interests with mounting public concern over the social impact of online gambling on Filipino families and communities.
