July 16, 2025
MANILA – The startling increase in internet gambling addiction among low-income Filipinos is a serious societal issue that requires prompt and effective response. Families are becoming more and more indebted and hopeless as access to online gambling platforms gets easier, and many are jeopardizing their livelihoods for the momentary excitement of a wager. In exchange for enormous sums of money, well-known entertainers, influencers, and bloggers actively support online gaming advertisements, which are now unavoidable and appear on all platforms every second of the day while their innocent fans become victims and are left in despair.Even if e-games bring in a sizable amount of money for the government, the welfare of many citizens is severely harmed. 40,000 workers reportedly rely on the ₱200 billion that regulated internet gaming brings to the economy each year. Digi Plus contributed significantly to the national budget, paying ₱33.7 billion in taxes alone.However, given the startling statistics—64 percent of those surveyed recently acknowledged engaging in online betting—it is evident that this is a society problem as well as a personal one. It is really intolerable that today, our phones, which ought to be instruments for communication and efficiency, have turned into doors to financial collapse for a lot of people. If nothing is done, the repercussions are severe. Families are disintegrating as people give in to the allure of internet gambling, which frequently results in irreversible debt and strained bonds. Common masa families and the underground economy are particularly targeted and impacted.Gambling has long been more accessible than ever because to the simplicity of placing bets through e-wallets and popular applications, and fintech and online gaming corporations profit from the pain of our people. Inadequate verification procedures may have contributed to the rise of underage access and even the open participation of families from the general public. Addiction has taken root in our digital environments, and we need to end this culture that benefits a select few.
Although the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) pledged to take down gambling advertisements and enforce rules more strictly, these actions are only a small part of a much bigger problem. Meanwhile, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has warned content creators and influencers to stop promoting “illegal” online gambling, (why not include “legal online?) and charges will soon follow.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference (CBCP) has correctly recognized this societal gambling addiction as a moral and social crisis, and we must respond to their call to action. But it seems, government policymakers are still caught between the urgent necessity to shield vulnerable groups from the grip of addiction and the temptation of tax income, creating a moral conundrum. Legislators have strong differences in opinions. Some wanted to prohibit using e-wallets and super applications to gamble online. Another is against and wants only more stringent rules that forbid using GCash for internet gambling, raise the legal age to 21, and raise the minimum stake to P10,000. However, the days of taking short cuts are over. It is not merely a question of personal preference; rather, it is a systemic issue that preys on the weak, taking advantage of their lack of resources and desperation. However, the truth is that internet gambling has become a widespread addiction that is hard to break.
To combat this spreading epidemic, we owe it to our families, our communities, and our future.In addition to regulating the sector, the government must take a strong stand by funding education and assistance for individuals afflicted with gambling addiction. The safety and well-being of our residents must come before possible financial gain. To prevent addiction and hopelessness from flourishing in our digital environment, the government must take urgent action to control or outlaw online gambling. must take immediate action to safeguard our countrymen against the devastation caused by an addiction to online gambling. This government has a responsibility to shield our people from the catastrophe’s terrible consequences.
The government, business community, and media must all launch a strong, all-encompassing public awareness campaign to inform people about the dangers of internet gambling. Resources for getting assistance and details on identifying the warning signs of addiction should be part of this. Support groups should receive funding so they can help people in need and gain more prominence. This online gambling addiction is equally as devastating as the controversial and banned e-sabong, where innocent people gets killed not by extrajudicial means but by suicides and depression of hurt victims and their families.
The future of our communities is at stake in the battle against internet gambling addiction, not just the safety of the individual. As a society, we must come together to confront this situation head-on, making sure that the health and welfare of our people come before the lure of short-term financial gain. All Filipinos may live in a safer, healthier environment free from the bonds of gambling addiction if we work together.