The Philippine government continues to assess the broader implications of a complete ban on all forms of online gambling, as pressure mounts from lawmakers calling for decisive action against what they describe as a growing epidemic affecting Filipino citizens.
The latest update came from Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, who confirmed on Sunday, July 20th, that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has yet to decide whether to announce a full prohibition during his upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28th. The review is taking place amid increasing legislative pressure and rising reports of Filipinos suffering financial harm due to gambling addiction.
“We are still looking into it because we have to consider all the ramifications of allowing that type of gaming to operate,” Bersamin said during a media interview reported by the Philippine News Agency. He emphasized that while the ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) imposed during last year’s SONA remains in effect, other forms of online gambling not associated with scams or fraud are still under evaluation.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro previously confirmed that the President is carefully weighing both the economic and social consequences of implementing such a sweeping ban.
Senator Raffy Tulfo has emerged as one of the most vocal advocates for a total prohibition, describing online gambling as an “epidemic” requiring immediate government intervention. Tulfo expressed optimism that President Marcos will address the nation’s escalating online gambling issues in his upcoming address.
Joint statement from operators
The push for a complete ban has prompted a coordinated response from the gaming industry. On July 17th, 14 licensed online gaming operators issued a joint statement opposing an outright prohibition, instead advocating for enhanced regulatory frameworks to protect consumers while maintaining the industry.
The signatory operators, all licensed by PAGCOR, argue that an absolute ban would drive players toward unregulated platforms. ‘Prohibition does not erase online gaming. It only erases the safeguards that protect the Filipino people,’ the statement reads.
The companies pointed to existing consumer protections, including multi-factor authentication, verification against PAGCOR’s restricted persons list, age limits, and self-exclusion tools. They also emphasized their financial contribution, noting that revenues to PAGCOR reached PHP54 billion ($922 million) in 2024.
The operators expressed their willingness to comply with stricter regulations, stating that legal businesses ‘do not fear tougher rules—they welcome them.’ However, they warned against relinquishing the digital gaming space to black-market operators who prioritize profit over public welfare.
The signatories include World Platinum Technologies Inc., AB Leisure Exponent Inc., Total Gamezone Xtreme Inc., Gamemaster Integrated Inc., Lucky Taya Gaming Corp., Stotsenberg Leisure Park & Hotel Corporation, Igo Digital High Technology Inc., Megabet Corp., Gavin Ventures Inc., Gotech Entertainment Inc., Meta Interactive Software Solutions Inc., Nextstage Entertainment Inc., Webzoid System Solutions Corporation, and Trojan Wells Entertainment Corp.
