Anti-online Gambling Act of 2025

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session JUL 17 P4:25 SENATE 70% RECEIV.iNE S. No._ Introduced by Senator Raffy T. Tulfo AN ACT PROHIBITING ONLINE GAMBLING AND THE PLACING OF WAGERS OR BETS THROUGH THE INTERNET OR ANY ONLINE PLATFORM, PROVIDING FOR ENFORCEMENT MEASURES, AND PROVIDING PENALTIES THEREFOR EXPLANATORY NOTE The welfare of the Filipino people comes first. Yet a growing epidemic is now gripping the country, one that is spreading rapidly and silently within our homes: online gambling. We need to step on the brakes now and put an end to this. In line with this call, Section 9, Article II of the 1987 Constitution provides that the State shall promote a just and dynamic social order that will ensure the prosperity and independence of the nation and free the people from poverty through policies that provide adequate social services, promote full employment, a rising standard of living, and an improved quality of life for all. Imagine betting as little as Php20.00, thinking it wouldn't hurt to try - making these online gambling platforms highly accessible, addictive, and dangerously attractive. According to the 2023 Capstone-Intel survey, 66% of young Filipinos aged 18 to 24 engage in online gambling, while 57% of those aged 41 to 55 reported gambling two (2) to three (3) times per week. Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified gambling disorder alongside substance use disorders in both the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and the International Classification of Diseases. The WHO further warns that the commercialization of gambling, especially through aggressive marketing and sponsorship in social settings and media, normalizes and

exacerbates gambling-related harm.' Unfortunately, these patterns are now clearly visible in the Philippines through the widespread promotion of online gambling platforms, even today as we traverse the roads of EDSA. Evidently, online gambling promotes not only financial irresponsibility but is also linked to reckless behavior. A bus driver was recently caught on video engaging in online gambling while driving, putting the safety of passengers at risk.? Furthermore, on July 3, 2025, operatives from the Southern Police District arrested taxi and transport drivers who were caught participating in online cockfighting, or "E-Sabong," while waiting for passengers at a transportation hub in Parañaque City.3 Young people are among the most vulnerable to the harms of online gambling. The State has a constitutional duty under Section 13, Article II to promote and protect the physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being of the youth. What is truly concerning is that the Department of Education has confirmed that the youth are now being exposed to online gambling platforms, compromising their values and future. As days, months, and years pass, technology continues to advance, making access easier than ever. If Filipinos continue to enjoy easy access to online gaming platforms, this epidemic will only worsen - affecting our families. Because they are more vulnerable to the allure of instant money, are heavily exposed to online gambling advertisements, and lack financial literacy, young people and those with low incomes must be protected. Thus, it is alarmingly clear that the economic and social costs far outweigh whatever revenues the government collects from these online gambling platforms. Ban or no ban, these online gaming platforms will continue to find ways to skirt around rules and regulations. While some argue that banning online gambling may drive it underground, we must emphasize that enforcement - not tolerance — is the key. The State has ample law enforcement mechanisms, funding, and digital capabilities that are fully capable of curbing underground activity. There are barriers that hinder the ban on online gambling, particularly the political forces that continue to protect and justify its 1 https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/gambling 2 https://tribune.net.ph/amp/story/2025/07/14/distracted-bus-drivers-license-suspended 3 https://mb.com.ph/2025/07/04/12-arrested-for-illegal-online-gambling-at-a-transport-hub-in-paranaque

existence. Nevertheless, the passage of this bill sends a clear and strong message: the welfare of the Filipino people comes first. In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought. RAFFY T. TULFO S

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES JUL 17 P4:25 First Regular Session SENATE RECE.: S. No. 708 Introduced by Senator Raffy T. Tulfo AN ACT PROHIBITING ONLINE GAMBLING AND THE PLACING OF WAGERS OR BETS THROUGH THE INTERNET OR ANY ONLINE PLATFORM, PROVIDING FOR ENFORCEMENT MEASURES, AND PROVIDING PENALTIES THEREFOR Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress Assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Anti-Online Gambling Act

2 of 2025."

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to promote a just and

4 dynamic social order that will ensure the prosperity and independence of the nation and free the people from poverty through policies that provide adequate social services, promote full employment, a rising standard of living, and an improved quality of life for all. The State likewise recognizes its duty to support the primary role of parents in the rearing of the youth for civic efficiency and moral character development, and to promote the moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being of the youth. Towards this end, the State shall adopt measures to eliminate and prohibit all forms of online gambling activities, as these erode the value of dignified labor by enabling irresponsible spending driven by the appeal of instant monetary gain, and corrupt the minds of the youth, thereby endangering their future and leading Filipinos into severe financial hardship. In view of the foregoing, it is the intent of this Act to address these harms through a comprehensive prohibition on online gambling and the establishment of enforcement mechanisms.

Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. -

(a) Internet refers to an international computer network of interoperable packet- switched data networks. It includes the electronic medium in which online communication takes place. (b) Online Gambling refers to the conduct of online games and the taking of bets or wagers through any computer or communication device connected to the Internet, or the use of Internet-based technology and other communication devices necessary for gaming operations. This includes but is not limited to E- Bingo, E-Casino, Online Poker Games, Online Sports Betting, Specialty Games, Online Numeric Games, and other similar platforms. (c) Bet or Wager refers to the act of risking something of value upon the outcome of a contest of others, a sporting event, or a game subject to chance, based on an agreement or understanding that the person, or another person, will receive something of value upon a certain outcome. (d) Gambling Platform refers to any website, mobile application, software, or digital interface that enables users to participate in online gambling.

Sec. 4. Prohibition on Online Gambling and Covered Acts. - All forms of online

gambling are hereby prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person, whether natural or juridical, to offer, operate, facilitate, participate in, or promote any online gambling activity. This prohibition covers, but is not limited to, the following: 1. E-Casino Games; 2. E-Bingo Games; ni Online Poker Games; 4. Online Sports Betting; 5. Specialty Games; 6. Online Numeric Games; 7. Online Cockfighting or E-Sabong; Any other internet- or online-based betting activities involving wagers or games of chance or skill.

Sec. 5. Implementing and Enforcement Agencies and Their Functions. - To ensure

the effective implementation and enforcement of this Act, the Philippine National Police (PNP), through its Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), through its Cybercrime Division, shall be responsible for enforcing this Act, including the surveillance, investigation, and apprehension of individuals and entities 6 found to be in violation of the provisions herein. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), in coordination with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and internet service providers, shall ensure the immediate and effective disabling of access to online 10 gambling platforms. Furthermore, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) shall revoke all existing licenses related to online gambling and shall cease the issuance of any license permitting online gambling operations. PAGCOR shall coordinate with law enforcement agencies to report any former licensee found to be operating in circumvention of the provisions of this Act.

Sec. 6. Penalties. - Any person who violates any of the prohibited acts under

Section 4 of this Act, including offering, operating, facilitating, participating in, or

promoting any form of online gambling activity as enumerated therein, shall be punished 19 by an imprisonment ranging from one (1) month to six (6) months or a fine of not less than One Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php100,000.00) nor more than Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php500,000.00), at the discretion of the court. If the offender is a corporation, partnership, or association, the maximum penalty of five (5) years and the fine of Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php500,000.00) shall be imposed upon the President, director/s, manager, or managing partner/s and/or responsible officer/s thereof. If the offender is a public officer or employee, or if such public officer or employee promotes, encourages, aids or abets the promotion or conduct of online gambling, the

1 maximum penalty prescribed for the offense shall be imposed. In addition, he/she shall 2 be dismissed from the public service and shall suffer the penalty of perpetual 3 disqualification from holding any public office.

Sec. 7. Repeal of Authority to Regulate Online Gambling. - All laws, decrees,

5 executive orders, rules and regulations, which are interpreted to give legal authority to regulate any forms of online gambling are hereby repealed.

Sec. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within thirty (30) days from the

8 effectivity of this Act, the Department of Justice and the Department of the Interior and 9 Local Government, in coordination with the Department of Information and 10 Communications Technology, and in consultation with the appropriate government agencies and stakeholders, shall jointly formulate and promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

Sec. 9. Repealing Clause. - All laws, orders issuance, circulars, rules and regulation

or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 10. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared

unconstitutional or invalid, other parts or provision hereof not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

Sec. 11. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication

in the official gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. Approved,