Latest news with #PhilippineAmusementandGamingCorporation
Filipino Times
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Tulfo Urges Probe, Penalties for Gov't Officials Tied to Online Gambling
Senator Raffy Tulfo has called for a thorough investigation and strict sanctions against government officials allegedly involved in the rise of online gambling in the Philippines. In a press briefing, Tulfo stressed that public officials should act in the interest of Filipinos, not in support of businesses that harm the public. He urged concerned agencies to file complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman and the Sandiganbayan against officials proven to be complicit. Tulfo also announced plans to file a bill seeking a total ban on all forms of online gambling in the country, including those accredited by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). He argued that mere regulation is not enough to curb the industry's harmful effects. He cited alarming reports of young students becoming addicted to online gambling, neglecting school, and even resorting to theft. 'It's time to step on the brakes,' he said, insisting that the social costs far outweigh potential government revenues, estimated at ₱140 billion. Tulfo expressed hope that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will address online gambling in his upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA), calling it a pressing national issue.
Bangkok Post
11-07-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Philippines orders removal of gambling ads amid addiction fears
The Philippines' gaming regulator has ordered the immediate dismantling of all gambling billboards and advertisements across the country amid worries over a growing betting addiction in the Southeast Asian nation. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation or Pagcor has given licensees, suppliers and gaming venue operators until Aug 15 to remove ad materials, including those displayed on public transport vehicles, according to a statement from the agency on Friday. 'Regulating excessive and pervasive gambling advertisements is a critical step in protecting vulnerable sectors of society, especially the youth,' Pagcor Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Alejandro Tengco said. While the gaming agency is mandated to generate state revenue, 'we do not want to encourage a culture of gambling addiction,' he said. The move comes as the gaming industry is under increasing scrutiny following an unprecedented boom in online gambling that critics fear could lead to social problems. In Thailand, the government withdrew a bill to legalise casinos following mounting public opposition. Revenue from online gaming surpassed that from integrated resort casinos this year for the first time in the Philippines, Asia's second-largest gambling hub after Macau. Calls have mounted in Congress to curb online gambling with one lawmaker seeking tighter regulation of the sector. The central bank is also considering limits to gaming access via digital platforms.
The Star
11-07-2025
- The Star
‘It destroyed families': The evil of e-sabong that became a scourge during the pandemic
MANILA: In 2022, a young mother sold her own infant to pay off her online sabong debt—an unthinkable crime for which she was convicted in 2024. The baby—then just eight months old —became a casualty of a digital gambling craze that, in just a few years, swept through Filipino households, leaving behind a trail of broken families, empty bank accounts, and lives cut short. Stories like hers are no longer rare in the Philippines. Since the rise of online sabong—or e‑sabong—during the pandemic, tales of addiction and devastation have multiplied. For some, what started as a pastime to kill boredom during lockdowns quickly spiralled into a dangerous habit. For others, the losses went beyond money: jobs, relationships, mental health, and even lives were lost to the 24/7 lure of 'easy money' in the virtual cockpit. One anonymous player recounted how he lost up to four months' worth of salary in just a few weeks: 'I touched my emergency savings. It's addicting—when you lose, you always think about making it back. The odds feel 50‑50, but it's risky, and maybe I was just unlucky. I was warned, but the thought of winning it all back always pulled me in. In the end, you only have yourself to blame.' For the fees he has allegedly been demanding from his client, former President Rodrigo Duterte, he should do better than that,' Castro said. 'I think I've lost half a million pesos to e‑sabong,' another player confessed. 'I make over ₱60,000 a month, but it feels like I have nothing left after paying my debts. I know I'm addicted, but I can't stop. I don't know who to talk to anymore.' And for some, the cycle of debt and loss has pushed them to the brink. 'I've promised myself again and again that I'll stop, but I keep going back. I've already lost over ₱100,000. I can't sleep, I'm depressed, and I don't know how to pay off my debts.' These are just a handful of the thousands caught in e‑sabong's grip—a digital vice so widespread that by early 2022, thousands of Filipinos were betting online every day, with roughly 200 live matches streamed daily, according to data from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor). For every winner, there are many more silent sufferers: parents pawning valuables, young people spiraling into debt, and families torn apart by shame and silence. What is e-sabong? E-sabong—short for electronic sabong or online cockfighting—is the digital version of a centuries-old Filipino gambling game. Instead of gathering at crowded cockpit arenas, gamblers log into websites or mobile apps to place bets on live-streamed cockfights, broadcast in real time from licensed arenas across the country. According to Pagcor, it is defined as 'the online or remote wagering on live cockfighting matches, events, and activities streamed or broadcast live from cockpit arenas licensed by local governments.' Unlike traditional sabong, where bettors shout over the noise of the crowd, online sabong can be played anywhere: in bedrooms, internet cafés, or even on a phone while commuting. The fights are quick, with barely a pause between matches, and bets can be placed repeatedly in just minutes. E-sabong platforms—licensed and regulated by PAGCOR—require players to register, submit IDs, and verify their identity. Only Filipinos aged 21 and above are allowed to join, and strict rules prohibit public officials, police, and military personnel from playing. Payments and withdrawals are made through digital wallets or bank transfers, and betting limits are set by the operator. Why did it boom during the pandemic? The Covid-19 pandemic created the perfect storm for e-sabong's explosive growth. With traditional arenas shut down by lockdowns and public gatherings banned, enthusiasts and newcomers flocked online, searching for both entertainment and a quick financial fix. For those suddenly out of work, e-sabong promised the thrill of easy money—no need to leave home, no need for much skill, just a stable internet connection and a bit of luck. The lure proved irresistible for 'Liza' (not her real name), who lost her job when the pandemic struck. With nothing to do and bills piling up, she found herself trying her luck as an online sabong agent. 'Everything was closed, and it was scary to go outside. I wanted to do something different and saw that e-sabong was everywhere, so I gave it a shot,' she recalled. Liza spent several hours a week picking her bets, sometimes judging the roosters by their size or how fierce they looked on screen. She admits that boredom and joblessness drove many people she knew into the online cockpit. For Jenny (not her real name), e-sabong became more than just a way to pass the time. Before she knew it, it was part of her everyday life. 'Someone taught me how to play. At first, I had no idea how any of it worked, but soon I was betting almost every day, sometimes losing sleep because I stayed up all night watching the fights,' she shared. Jenny said she usually placed small bets, but when she won, she'd double down, risking everything again in hopes of hitting it big. For others, like 'Carl,' curiosity and family influence led them to try. 'My relatives played a lot, so I just wanted to see what it was about. It was easy to get hooked because you could bet anytime, anywhere,' he admitted. For some, the pandemic gave e-sabong an almost social aspect. 'It wasn't just about the money—it was something to do together. Sometimes, it was bonding time for me and my dad or brother,' Jenny added. But not everyone was so lucky. Many who started for fun ended up deep in debt or fighting addiction. 'Looking back, I realised I could've lost much more than just money,' Jenny said. By early 2022, e-sabong had become a multi-billion peso industry. Government data showed 6,000 to 7,000 active players a day, and hundreds of fights streamed online daily. With quick matches, easy betting, and around-the-clock access, e-sabong quietly turned into a national phenomenon—sometimes, at a cost families never imagined. Disappeared in the digital cockpit Between April 2021 and January 2022, at least 34 e-sabong enthusiasts went missing in Luzon, including 19 from Laguna, with additional cases reported in Batangas, Bulacan, Manila, and Rizal. These missing sabungeros sparked a nationwide scare and prompted a high-profile Senate inquiry. A whistleblower, Julie Patidongan (also known as 'Totoy'), surfaced and claimed in an interview over GMA News that the number of missing could be much higher, possibly as many as 100 individuals. According to Patidongan, the missing sabungeros were killed, tied to sandbags, and their bodies disposed of in Taal Lake. Patidongan also provided specific details to the authorities, which prompted families of the disappeared to renew calls for a search of the area, hoping to recover the remains of their loved ones, 'kahit buto na lang (even if just the bones)' No remains directly linked to the missing sabungeros have been found in Taal Lake so far. However, authorities are actively exploring ways to retrieve the bodies, if the bodies were really buried there, including deploying technical divers and seeking the assistance of foreign experts. Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the disappearances may be connected to profit-driven corporate killings rather than isolated incidents. He emphasised that the scale and coordination of the crimes point to a systematic operation involving 'subcontractors'—hired groups who carried out abductions and killings for profit. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has ordered law enforcement agencies to conduct a 'deeper probe' and deliver conclusive results 'as soon as possible.' The Department of Justice (DOJ), on the other hand, is preparing to file charges against identified suspects, based on ongoing investigations and the information provided by the whistleblower Amid this, public attention has also turned to well-known personalities in the gaming industry. Businessman Atong Ang, frequently mentioned in connection with e-sabong, has strongly denied any involvement in the disappearances. Actress Gretchen Barretto, who has been linked to the controversy due to her association with Ang, has publicly denied any involvement in the case of the missing sabungeros. In a statement relayed by her lawyer, Barretto said she was not connected to the disappearances and had no participation in e-sabong operations. For families of the missing, the search for truth is far from over. Many continue to press authorities for action, clinging to the hope that their loved ones—or at least the truth behind their fate—will finally be found. From regulation to ban—and a renewed crackdown At the height of the pandemic, e-sabong thrived under PAGCOR's regulatory watch. The government, facing an economic slump, initially allowed the industry to operate as a source of revenue even as concerns about addiction and criminal activity quietly mounted. But as cases of disappearances and allegations of corruption began to make headlines, public pressure forced the government to reconsider its stance. By February 2022, the Department of Justice and the Philippine National Police had launched investigations into the growing number of missing sabungeros, while the Senate moved to suspend all e-sabong operations. In May 2022, then-President Rodrigo Duterte ordered a total shutdown of e-sabong, citing its grave social cost, specifically referencing the disappearances and the industry's role in 'profit-driven killings.' Fast forward to June 2025, the House of Representatives approved bills that would ban e-sabong nationwide, while establishing clearer regulations for traditional cockfighting. A case still unfolding The e-sabong controversy continues to unravel, exposing not just the dangers of unchecked online gambling but a complex web of disappearances, alleged organized crime, and unanswered questions. While authorities push investigations forward and new leads emerge, the full story of the missing sabungeros—and those responsible—remains unresolved. As the country watches, both the pursuit of justice and calls for industry reform continue to shape the ongoing national reckoning over e-sabong. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
Straits Times
11-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Philippines orders removal of gambling ads amid addiction fears
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Calls have mounted among Philippine lawmakers to curb online gambling. MANILA – The Philippines' gaming regulator has ordered the immediate dismantling of all gambling billboards and advertisements amid worries over a growing betting addiction in the country. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) has given licencees, suppliers and gaming venue operators until Aug 15 to remove ad materials, including those displayed on public transport vehicles, according to a statement from the agency on July 11. 'Regulating excessive and pervasive gambling advertisements is a critical step in protecting vulnerable sectors of society, especially the youth,' Pagcor chairman Alejandro Tengco said. While the gaming agency is mandated to generate state revenue, 'we do not want to encourage a culture of gambling addiction', he said. The move comes as the gaming industry is under increasing scrutiny following an unprecedented boom in online gambling that critics fear could lead to social problems. In Thailand, the government withdrew a Bill to legalise casinos following mounting public opposition. Revenue from online gaming surpassed those from integrated resort casinos in 2025 for the first time in the Philippines, Asia's second-largest gambling hub after Macau. Calls have mounted in Congress to curb online gambling, with one lawmaker seeking tighter regulation of the sector. The central bank is also considering limits to gaming access via digital platforms. BLOOMBERG
GMA Network
09-07-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
Online gaming ban? Licensed operators say users will shift to black market sites
Online gaming operators licensed with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) on Wednesday opposed proposals for a total ban on online gambling in the country, warning that Filipinos might shift to unregulated sites on the black market. In a joint statement, the companies said they 'are standing united with the PAGCOR and 'forward-thinking' lawmakers to call for stronger regulation—not a total ban—to keep Filipino players safe and the country's economy thriving.' Signatories to the statement are: World Platinum Technologies Inc AB Leisure Exponent Inc. Total Gamezone Xtreme Inc. Gamemaster Integrated Inc. Lucky Taya Gaming Corp. Stotsenberg Leisure Park & Hotel Corp. Igo Digital High Technology Inc. Megabet Corp. Gavin Ventures Inc. Gotech Entertainment Inc. Meta Interactive Software Solutions, Inc. Nextstage Entertainment Inc. Webzoid System Solutions Corporation Trojan Wells Entertainment Corp. The online gaming firms issued the statement amid proposals for a total ban on online gambling. Senator Juan Miguel 'Migz' Zubiri on Monday filed his proposed Anti-Online Gambling Act of 2025, seeking to mandate internet service providers, mobile network operators, and digital platforms to block access to gambling websites and remove related apps within 72 hours upon notice from the Department of Justice or Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation. At the House of Representatives, lawmakers including Negros Occidental Representative Javi Benitez and Bicol Saro party-list Representative Terry Ridon are pushing for stricter regulations instead of a total ban. Akbayan party-list Representatives Chel Diokno, Perci Cendaña, and Dadah Ismulla filed House Bill 1351, seeking to limit access to online gambling or the Kontra e-Sugal Act. 'As Congress debates proposals to outlaw online gaming or restrict payment channels, the country's legal operators warn that total prohibition will not stop Filipinos from playing, but will only push tens of millions of players in the black market where unlicensed, unregulated operators thrive,' the licensed online gaming firms said. 'Prohibition does not erase online gaming. It only erases the safeguards that protect the Filipino people. The reality is clear: players will continue to play. The choice is whether they do so on secure, licensed platforms that follow regulations, or on black-market sites that answer to no one,' they said. The licensed online gaming firms emphasized that the Philippines already enforces some of the strictest protections in Asia, such as: the enforcement of strict Know-Your-Customer (KYC) and multi-factor authentication checking players against PAGCOR's National Database of Restricted Persons requiring that players are 21 or older providing self-exclusion tools and real-time monitoring for at-risk behavior following advertising restrictions that prohibit predatory claims contributing to national revenue, job creation, and technology development 'Every peso played on a licensed platform supports public services—schools, hospitals, roads—and helps keep Filipino families safe through regulation and oversight. On the flipside, every peso spent on an illegal site is money stolen from communities and funneled straight to illegal operators who ignore our laws,' the licensed online gaming firms said. The online gaming players cited 'global lessons,' which they said a total ban had backfired. 'Out of 195 countries worldwide, 177 choose to regulate online gaming. Only 18 nations, including North Korea, Iran, and Somalia, maintain total bans, and none have succeeded in eradicating underground gaming,' they said. 'In the United States, a 2006 federal ban simply drove American players to unregulated offshore sites. By 2013, the US moved to legalize online gaming again to regain control, generating over $71.9 billion in revenues and more than $15 billion in taxes. Sweden, Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina have all seen the same: that a prohibition fuels crime; regulation reclaims it,' they added. The gaming firms also said that since regulated online gaming expanded in 2022, PAGCOR's license fee collections alone have soared from P12.3 billion to P54 billion in 2024, 'directly funding national projects that benefit every Filipino.' 'PAGCOR's total revenues hit P112 billion last year, with online gaming driving nearly half of that. Over 50,000 Filipinos now work in the sector, many in high-value roles in technology, cybersecurity, creative design, and artificial intelligence,' the companies said. 'The country's licensed operators warn that a reckless ban, or cutting off legitimate payment channels, would destroy this progress overnight, wiping out thousands of jobs and handing the entire market to illegal sites. In these unregulated spaces, players lose all protections: no age checks, no data security, no support for problem gambling, and no contribution to the national economy,' they added. Industry players further suggested that lawmakers should strengthen what already works such as 'tighter age and identity verification, clear limits for at-risk players, stronger anti-money laundering safeguards, faster site takedowns for illegal operators, and expanded public education on player rights and responsible play.' 'Let's be clear: the real enemy is not regulated gaming. It is the rise of illegal operators who put profits over Filipino welfare. Legal operators do not fear tougher rules, they welcome them. What they fear is surrendering our digital future to the black market,' they said. 'As ASEAN neighbors like Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam modernize their own gaming regulations to attract investment and protect players, the Philippines risks falling behind if fear-driven bans dismantle an industry that has proven it can grow jobs, strengthen technology, and raise billions in revenue under proper oversight. Regulators are urged: don't hand this industry to criminals. Keep it legal, keep it safe, and keep it proudly Filipino,' they added. — BM, GMA Integrated News
