Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has filed a bill seeking stricter regulation of online gambling to address its growing impact on Filipino families and communities.
“Maraming pamilya ang nasira ang kinabukasan dahil sa online gambling, na lalo pang pinadali ng mga e-wallet — halimbawa na lang ang Scatter,” said Gatchalian, as he filed the measure for the 20th Congress.
He warned that the ease of access has worsened the dangers of gambling, contributing to mental health issues, financial ruin, addictive behavior, increased vices, and rising crime rates.
Gatchalian also cited the case of the 34 missing sabungeros, allegedly linked to illegal e-sabong operations, as a grim example of gambling’s broader social impact.
The proposed measure bans gambling sponsorships of public events and campaign contributions. It also requires regulators to use part of gambling-related fees to fund addiction rehabilitation centers.
To discourage impulsive betting, the bill sets a minimum P10,000 cash-in requirement for users accessing gambling platforms.IMT
