Senator Joel Villanueva, a prominent critic of the Philippines’ online gambling industry, has called for a complete ban on all forms of online gambling. He is advocating for the passage of Senate Bill (SB) 1281, which not only aims to prohibit the Internet Gaming Licensee (IGL) scheme, formerly known as Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), but also seeks to ban other forms of online gambling. It remains unclear whether this ban would extend to the emerging “remote gaming” sector, which allows land-based casinos to offer live-streamed gaming to Philippine residents.
Citing instances of human trafficking, scams, and kidnapping involving former POGO license holders, Villanueva emphasized the negative social impacts of gambling and stressed the need to put an end to it. He criticized the gaming regulator PAGCOR for failing to ensure that POGOs operate in compliance with the law, citing cases of scam operations conducted by ex-PAGCOR licensees in Bamban, Tarlac, and Porac, Pampanga.
Senate Bill 1281 proposes penalties of up to six months imprisonment or a fine of up to Php500,000 (US$8,500) for individuals involved in online gambling. In a statement accompanying the bill, Villanueva highlighted the severe consequences of gambling, stating that it not only leads to financial losses but also impacts values and lives.
Villanueva’s push for a ban on online gambling reflects his concerns about the detrimental effects of the industry on society. He is urging lawmakers to prioritize the well-being of Filipino citizens by putting an end to all forms of online gambling.
