A BAN on online gambling could lead to illicit activity moving underground, out of sight of regulators, research firm The Fourth Wall reported, citing the results of a study.
The study found that 53% of respondents oppose such a ban, with 75% saying it would not deter unhealthy behavior, leading gamblers to turn to unregistered sites.
“There is an understanding among them that an outright ban won’t stop online gambling, but instead push it underground, increasing risks like scams and addiction through unregulated channels,” John Brylle L. Bae, research director at The Fourth Wall, said in a statement.
“This suggests their call for regulation is rooted in safer options and better consumer protection.”
Stricter regulation was supported by 18% of respondents, who cited age restrictions, including protections for seniors, facial recognition and real-time ID checks.
The Fourth Wall also noted the prevalence of scams linked to online gambling on social media platforms.
“Support for banning unregulated platforms stems from concerns about addiction — particularly among youth and low-income groups — and the wider impact on mental health, families, and finances,” The Fourth Wall said, after finding that the typical online gambler in the Philippines is a low-income, low-stakes casual player.
It profiled such gamblers as staking P5,000 a month, playing a few times a week and breaking even on most occasions.
It also found high levels of trust in digital wallets, with 73% citing the wallets’ robust age and identity verification processes, and 64% saying such platforms help them manage their spending effectively.
GCash (92%) emerged as the most-used e-wallet app, cited by 92% of respondents, followed by Maya (6%). Only 2% use over-the-counter payment outlets.
Most of respondents said they have gambled on cockfights or bet on social media, while only 7% have gambled in physical casinos.
The Fourth Wall noted that resistance to a ban was pronounced among cockfighting bettors, pointing to a “desire for continuity over restriction.”
Earlier this month, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. said he is open to imposing a tax on e-gambling and reviewing bills and other policies to regulate the practice as long as they are backed by research.
This comes after the central bank, the Department of Finance and legislators lobbied measures back-to-back amid the growing scrutiny on the country’s e-gambling industry.
The study found that 61% consider the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) to be performing its duties, though 34% said they lack full understanding of PAGCOR’s mandate.
“This finding points to a need not only for regulation, but for clearer public education and transparent communication from regulators,” The Fourth Wall said.
The study collected input from 1,250 current online gamblers between July 17 to 18 in and around Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, Metro Davao, and other major cities. — Katherine K. Chan