“Our law enforcement is not effective.”
Erwin Tulfo, the chairman of the Senate Games and Amusements Committee, will hold public hearings on the future of online gambling next week. As reported by the Philippine Star, Tulfo is in favor of a complete online gambling ban in the Philippines and wants to convince stakeholders, PAGCOR, and DOF members of the same.
The state of online gambling in the Philippines has rapidly changed in the last twelve months, with the government doubling down on new regulations and measures to safeguard illegal and underage indulgences.
Some expected President Marcos to touch on online gambling at the recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), though the subject was a no-show. However, things are likely to change at the upcoming hearings scheduled by the Senate, Erwin Tulfo
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Next week's hearings to decide the future of Philippines' online gambling
Like the Catholic Church, Tulfo believes online gambling should be banned in the Philippines. During a press conference on July 30, he spoke at length about the social and economic repercussions of online gambling in the country.
According to him, tightening regulations will increase illegal operators, which would then prove costly for the government. To discuss the social impact of online gambling, particularly on youths and minors, he plans to invite parents and church members to testify at the committee hearings.
It’s worth noting that the Senate isn’t entirely against gambling, but rather its online aspect. He says that gamblers should visit physical casinos instead for proper age verification.
Online gambling is a prominent source of revenue in the Philippines, with PAGCOR’s report claiming that the government earns P100 billion from online casinos. It also provides direct employment to over 32,000 people.
As such, it would be interesting to see how these hearings about the future of online gambling in the Philippines go. Cebu City recently blocked online gambling sites and VPN access on the workplace internet, thereby suggesting it's more interested in enforcing regulations than a full-fledged ban.
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