Senator Migz Zubiri has filed a bill seeking a total ban on all forms of online gambling in the Philippines, calling it a “silent epidemic” that’s financially harming Filipino families.
Zubiri said many individuals are wasting their grocery money on online casino sites, which prompted him to act. His proposed measure aims to prohibit all digital forms of gambling, including websites, mobile applications, and digital betting platforms.
Under the proposed law, Internet service providers, mobile network operators, and digital platforms will be mandated to block access to gambling websites.
This move follows a statement from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), which said it is open to proposals that would tighten regulations on e-gambling activities.
Zubiri’s bill isn’t the only legislative effort targeting the online gambling industry. Senators Pia and Alan Peter Cayetano have also filed a bill seeking to ban all advertising, marketing, and promotions of online gambling. Meanwhile, Senator Win Gatchalian has proposed a separate bill that would increase the minimum cash-in amount to P10,000 and the top-up limit to P5,000 for online gambling transactions, should a full ban not push through.
These proposals reflect growing concern in the Senate over the social and financial effects of online gambling, especially on low- to middle-income families.
