Senator Gatchalian wants to curb illegal online gambling

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is calling for tougher legislative measures to curb the rapid expansion of illegal online gambling, as the number of unlicensed betting platforms continues to rise.

“Parang kabute ang mga ito – kahit ma-block ngayon, bukas andyan na naman. It’s never ending. Dapat putulin na ang ugat. Have you gone further than blocking?” Gatchalian asked the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordination Center (CICC) during a recent Senate hearing.

The CICC reported that it has blocked an average of 50,000 online gambling websites, 95 to 97 percent of which operate from outside the Philippines.

Authorities said can restrict access only within Philippine jurisdiction, making the complete takedown of these platforms difficult and highlighting the enforcement challenges posed by cross-border cyber operations.

Responding to the senator’s call for legislative proposals, CICC Executive Director Renato Paraiso recommended the appointment of cyber diplomats to strengthen international cybersecurity cooperation, noting that the Philippines remains the only country yet to designate such officials.

Paraiso also proposed expanding mutual legal assistance treaties (MLATs) to include cybercrimes, pointing out that existing agreements primarily cover traditional offenses.

Last year, Gatchalian filed the Online Gambling Regulatory Act, which seeks to establish a stricter regulatory framework for online gambling, rather than imposing a total ban that could drive such activities further underground.

Illegal online gambling has emerged as a growing concern in the Philippines, fueled by widespread internet access, mobile technology, and digital payment platforms.

While licensed online gambling operators are regulated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), thousands of unlicensed websites continue to target Filipino users, operating beyond government oversight.

Authorities estimate that tens of thousands of illegal gambling sites are active at any given time, many of them based overseas.

Lawmakers and regulators warn that the rapid expansion of illegal online gambling has contributed to rising addiction, particularly among young people and low-income earners, leading to financial distress, mental health concerns, and family problems.

The ease of mobile access and digital transactions has further accelerated participation.

The government has stepped up website blocking, financial monitoring, and law enforcement efforts, while lawmakers push for stronger legislation.

Policy debates continue over whether to impose a total ban or adopt stricter regulation, with proponents of regulation arguing that it allows better control, consumer protection, and monitoring of gambling-related harm.

-Paraluman News