Authorities in the Philippines have undertaken a major crackdown on illegal online gambling.
The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has identified over 1000 unlicensed gambling websites. Meanwhile, 146 websites have been linked to illegal online “sabong”, otherwise known as cockfighting.
Alongside the websites, CICC has also documented at least 119 influencers who have been actively promoting gambling platforms through content creation, live-streaming and referral links.
Of those identified, several, including Vic Desucantan, Luisito Vlogs and Jonah Jacob, have more than one million followers across social media.
Digital Pinoy, a civil society partner, also reported 627 gambling-related URLs submitted by partner organisations.
Many of those were identified to be mirror sites, which are duplicate websites designed to bypass regulatory takedowns.
PAGCOR commits to illegal gambling fight
Amid news of the extent of the Philippines’ illegal gambling sector, the nation’s regulator, PAGCOR, has committed PHP50m (£639,125) to help fight back against the black market.
On Monday (29 September), PAGCOR’s Chair and CEO, Alejandro Tengco, signed a Memorandum of Agreement for the funding to be given to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the organisation tasked with countering illegal gaming.
During the ceremony, Tengco said the partnership with the NBI underscores PAGCOR’s commitment to protecting industry integrity and ensuring that revenues from the gaming industry benefit the Filipino people.
“Illegal gambling operators undermine our laws, exploit our people, and put our communities at risk. By working hand in hand with the NBI, we are sending a strong message that we will not allow unlawful gaming practices to persist,” he said.
An uncertain future
While authorities take action against the illegal market, the Philippines’ regulated online gaming market is facing uncertainty as politicians consider the future of the sector.
The Senate Committee on Games and Amusement is currently considering several bills that have called for a total ban on online gaming, citing the “silent epidemic” of gambling addiction in the Philippines.
However, industry leaders, including Tengco, have warned that a total ban will drive more players to the illegal operators, such as the ones identified by CICC.
Speaking at a symposium hosted by Light & Wonder, as the developer announced its intentions to enter the Philippine iGaming market, Tengco urged for stricter regulations rather than an outright ban.
“PAGCOR is committed to strengthening regulation and enforcement to ensure that only legitimate and properly monitored operators are allowed to operate,” he said.
“These illegal sites not only deprive the government of much-needed revenues but also expose Filipino players to numerous risks.”
