A new bill in the Philippine House of Representatives seeks to restrict online gambling access to combat rising addiction rates among young Filipinos. Introduced by the Anakbayan party-list, House Bill No. 1351, also known as the Kontra E-Sugal Bill, proposes comprehensive reforms to regulate the online gambling industry.
Age Restrictions and Identity Verification
The proposed legislation mandates that only individuals aged 21 and older can access online gambling platforms. Registration would necessitate the provision of valid government-issued identification, effectively barring underage participation.
Curbing Advertising and Promotions
The bill aims to significantly curtail the promotion of online gambling. It proposes a ban on gambling-related advertising in public spaces and prohibits electronic wallets and multi-functional apps from featuring gambling promotions. This comprehensive approach seeks to minimize exposure to gambling advertisements.
PAGCOR’s Expanded Role and Financial Controls
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) would play a central role in enforcing the new regulations. PAGCOR will be responsible for establishing daily, weekly, and monthly betting limits. Accounts exceeding these limits would be automatically suspended. The bill also suggests a 10% tax on online gambling revenue, with the proceeds dedicated to funding addiction treatment programs, educational initiatives, and regulatory enforcement.
Self-Exclusion and National Registry
Recognizing the need for individual support, PAGCOR would manage a national self-exclusion registry. This registry would allow individuals to voluntarily block themselves from accessing online gambling sites, providing a crucial tool for self-management and harm reduction. The bill underscores the necessity of a holistic, data-driven, and collaborative strategy to mitigate gambling-related harm.
Further Legislative Efforts
Further efforts to combat online gambling are underway in both the House and the Senate. House Bill 721 separately targets the promotion of online betting by e-wallets. Meanwhile, Senators Pia and Alan Peter Cayetano have introduced a similar measure in the Senate, incorporating penalties for operators and proposing the creation of an Online Gambling Control Task Force under the Office of the President.
PAGCOR’s Commitment
PAGCOR has expressed its full support for any legislation aimed at regulating the online gambling industry and reaffirmed its commitment to combatting illegal online gambling activities. The proposed measures reflect a growing trend across Southeast Asia, where governments are increasingly tightening regulations on online gambling to address the significant risks of addiction and underage involvement.
