In a recent media briefing held during his state visit to India, Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emphasized that his administration is taking a deliberate and consultative approach to the issue of Philippines online gambling laws, resisting calls for an outright ban while exploring more nuanced solutions.
Speaking to members of the Philippine press corps, Marcos acknowledged the growing public concern over the proliferation of digital gambling platforms but cautioned against hasty policy decisions. “A blanket ban won’t solve the root of the problem,” he said, pointing out that addiction, not the mere existence of online gambling, is the core issue that needs to be addressed.
The President emphasized that any future policy must be informed by a broad coalition of voices, including representatives from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), educators, law enforcement officials, parents, and specialists in addiction treatment. “We need a multi-sectoral perspective to understand the full social impact,” he explained.
Marcos Plans Conclave
To facilitate this, the government is preparing to convene a policy forum, referred to internally as a “conclave,” that will bring together key stakeholders, including the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). The goal is to assess both the economic contributions of online gambling and its potential social costs, including the risk of addiction and the rise of illegal gambling operations.
Marcos drew parallels to the government’s previous crackdown on e-sabong, or online cockfighting, questioning whether its prohibition truly resolved the underlying issues. “We banned e-sabong, but did that eliminate the problem? Or did it just push it underground?” he asked.
He reiterated that while a ban remains on the table, it is not the administration’s default solution. “If banning is the best option, we’ll do it. But if there are more effective alternatives, we’ll pursue those,” Marcos said.
The President’s remarks come amid increasing pressure from lawmakers and advocacy groups to take decisive action against online gambling, which they argue preys on vulnerable populations and undermines social values.
However, Marcos’s measured stance signals a preference for evidence-based policymaking over reactionary enforcement.
Are Online Casinos Still Legal In The Philippines?
Yes, while the Philippines is looking to ban online gambling, they are only targeting domestic online operations. Currently, both domestic and licensed online casinos in the Philippines are allowed to accept Filipino players if they hold a valid license.
Philippine gambling laws only target operators and do not outline punishments for players. Online casinos have been accepting PH players since the early 2000s and have become the most convenient and trusted source for online casino games for most players.
Although the current status of online gambling is permitted, we will keep our readers informed if any laws are changed in the near future.