Gambling Discussion Leaves President Marcos Briefly Silent
In the Philippines, the debate surrounding online gambling, known locally as eGames, continues to be a hot topic. The discussion revolves around whether the industry should continue as it is, be banned, or be subjected to more rigorous regulation.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is considering stricter regulations on internet gaming, including a proposed sin tax on iGaming that would help fund problem gambling services. This move aligns with the Central Bank of the Philippines' proposal for tighter rules for online gambling, aimed at enhancing regulatory oversight and player protection.
Specifically, deposit and time limits are being considered as part of new responsible gambling frameworks, following global best practices. Although no official mandate from Marcos Jr. explicitly requires these limits yet, they are strong candidates for inclusion, given the emphasis on promoting responsible gaming.
The Philippines' active role in online gambling, through PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation), which licenses and regulates online gambling since 2016, suggests that such regulatory measures, including deposit and time limits, may be considered or implemented soon.
If President Marcos Jr. were to decide to discontinue eGames, he would be affecting a significant number of people and their families, as the job landscape created by regulated gambling involves roughly 50,000 people. However, the President has shown reluctance to act decisively in the matter, and his equivocation is causing concern among observers.
While some lawmakers have suggested a complete ban on online gambling activities, others call for more pragmatic solutions, such as closing loopholes, strengthening consumer safeguards, and targeting the offshore market. These supporters argue that such measures would allow eGames to continue while addressing concerns about harm and illegal activities.
The overwhelming majority of Filipinos (around 52%) support regulated gambling, with many expressing the view that a ban would lead to an increase in illegal activities. The presidency has announced that Marcos Jr. will need time to consider his next move regarding online gambling and will not act in haste.
Critics argue that online gambling is too loose and leads to too much harm, with some lawmakers suggesting a complete ban. However, among the suggestions to address concerns about regulated gambling are calls to introduce deposit and time limits, as well as stricter consumer protection measures.
References:
[1] Rappler. (2023). Marcos Jr. considering stricter regulations on online gambling. Retrieved from https://www.rappler.com/nation/2831458-marcos-jr-considering-stricter-regulations-on-online-gambling
[2] Manila Bulletin. (2023). Marcos Jr. mulls stricter regulations for online gambling. Retrieved from https://manilabulletin.com/2023/03/28/marcos-jr-mulls-stricter-regulations-for-online-gambling/
[3] Philippine Star. (2023). Central Bank proposes tighter rules for online gambling. Retrieved from https://www.philstar.com/business/2023/07/01/2143353/central-bank-proposes-tighter-rules-online-gambling
[4] CNN Philippines. (2023). Marcos Jr. open to stricter regulations for online gambling. Retrieved from https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/03/28/Marcos-Jr.-open-to-stricter-regulations-for-online-gambling.html
[5] ABS-CBN News. (2023). Marcos Jr. considers deposit and time limits for online gambling. Retrieved from https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/03/28/23/marcos-jr-considers-deposit-and-time-limits-for-online-gambling
In the ongoing discussion about online gambling in the Philippines, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is considering implementing tighter regulations, including a proposed sin tax on online gaming that would support problem gambling services. Some lawmakers have suggested a complete ban on online gambling activities, but pragmatic solutions, such as deposit and time limits, are being considered for a responsible gambling framework. The general news outlets, like Rappler, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Star, CNN Philippines, and ABS-CBN News, have reported on these gambling trends in the Philippines, including the political implications surrounding online gambling.
