Philippines Lawmaker Proposes Outright Ban of Online Gambling

Bill proposes fine and jail time for anyone betting online

by - Monday, April 10th, 2023 10:24

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Philippines Lawmaker Proposes Outright Ban of Online Gambling

House Bill 7689 will place an outright ban on all forms of online gambling within the Philippines. It also sets out punishments of up to six months in prison or a fine of as much as PHP500,000 for any person who places a wager online.

The bill also states that a president, director, manager and partners of a corporate entity that facilitates online gambling could face a jail term of up to five years or fined a maximum of PHP500,000. In addition to this, any public officer or public sector employee that participates in or promotes online gambling may face severe consequences, such as being terminated from their public service position and being barred from holding any future public office or voting rights.

Philippines Lawmaker Proposes Outright Ban of Online Gambling Philippines Lawmaker Proposes Outright Ban of Online Gambling

A corresponding proposal is currently awaiting review at the committee level in the Senate.

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, responsible for overseeing online gambling and gaming activities, has reported a daily earning of approximately PHP9 million from licensed gambling entities.

Philippines Lawmaker Proposes Outright Ban of Online Gambling

As the head of the ways and means committee, Mr. Gatchalian mentioned that Pasig City was the first to pass an ordinance banning POGOs due to the social costs outweighing the benefits. He had previously presented the findings of his committee’s investigation in plenary, stating that “the POGO experiment has not delivered the promised economic advantages to the Filipino people.”

Ciaran McEneaney

Ciaran has been working within the Gambling Industry as a deep analyst since 2019. His deep knowledge and understanding of all the gambling regulations, and processes makes him a true asset, and an always valuable point of view for Gambling Industry News, allowing us to cover every topics from a brand new perspective.

Philippines Lawmaker Proposes Outright Ban of Online Gambling