Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri is pushing for a total ban on online gambling in the Philippines, warning that it has become a “silent epidemic” harming Filipinos, especially the youth and vulnerable sectors.

In his proposed “Anti-Online Gambling Act of 2025,” Zubiri calls for a complete prohibition on all forms of online betting, including digital platforms, apps, and websites, whether locally or offshore-operated, that allow wagers through phones, tablets, or computers.

“We already shut the doors on POGOs for the damage they caused. But an even more dangerous problem has crept into our homes: online gambling that targets our own people,” he said. “Let’s not kid ourselves. Iba na ang itsura ng gambling addiction ngayon. Hindi na ito yung lulong ang isang tao sa casino o sa sabungan. It now looks like a kid with a phone under the covers at 2 a.m., losing the family’s grocery money on an online casino site.”

The bill mandates internet service providers, mobile networks, and digital platforms to block gambling websites and remove related apps within 72 hours upon notice from the Department of Justice or PAGCOR. Non-compliance could lead to fines, license suspensions, or revocation.

Payment providers like GCash, Paymaya, and credit card companies would be barred from processing gambling-related transactions. Entities promoting gambling—through media, social media, or influencer content—would also be penalized.

“Ang dami nating nakikitang ads ng online casino sa ating mga payment wallets. Ineendorso pa ng mga sikat na artista. Yung mga memes ng tinatawag nilang ‘scatter,’ makikita mo sa social media. These memes make a parody of people losing a lot of money in online gambling,” said Zubiri.

“Ang kawawa dito ay hindi lamang yung mga adults na nalululong sa bisyo. Kasama pati ang ating mga kabataan. Children are learning to lie, to steal, to cheat just to fund their next bet,” the former Senate President added.

Penalties under the bill are steep:

  • First offense: P20 million fine and 6-month license suspension
  • Second offense: P50 million fine and 1-year suspension
  • Third offense: P100 million fine, license revocation, and up to 6 years’ imprisonment for top executives

“Ang masakit dito, mga bata na ang nahuhumaling. Madali para sa kanila na magpanggap ng edad, gumawa ng fake account at makapasok sa mga site na ito. There is something inherently wrong with the system, that is why I filed this measure to put an end to this once and for all,” said Zubiri.IMT