There is new reports from the Philippines as a senator has filed a bill on a potential complete ban of online gambling in the nation, amid weeks of gambling discourse.
Senator Christopher Go filed on Wednesday Senate Bill No. 686, also known as the ‘Anti-Online Gambling Act of 2025’ and it would criminalise all aspects of Internet betting, with prison terms of up to six months or a fine of up to PHP500,000 (about US$8,736) for even placing bets.
In addition, other jail time could occur for any officials of corporations or associations found guilty of breaking the law as proposed. Anyone guilty of this would incur prison time of up to five years plus a PHP500,000 fine.
“The social cost has grown too big and too deep,” Mr Go was cited as saying by the Daily Tribune news outlet, reporting the development.
Speaking on gambling, he claimed that it “preys on the vulnerable, erodes family values, and poses risks to financial integrity”. The licensed sector remains only open to locals of the country and he is seeking for a ban on all forms of online gambling, including placing, receiving, or transmitting bets via the Internet.
Remarks from the undersecretary of the Presidential Communications Office, Claire Castor, claimed that the Philippine leader, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, is reviewing calls for a total ban – further adding fuel to the fire when it comes to systemic industry change.
Castor said: “We cannot rush into it. Sometimes, banning legal and licensed online gaming sites results in a rise in illegal platforms, which could affect the economy even more.”
There are worries it could push people to offshore and illegal gambling but there has been strong support from the Catholic Popes, government officials and other people in the industry that has grown week by week across the past month for gambling to be regulated heavily or banned altogether.
Earlier this month, there were calls from The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas that they were eyeing stricter guidelines on online gambling payment services, which may include e-wallets but the latest comments from the senator demonstrates a clear indication to pursue change.
