PH solon seeks stricter rules, penalties on game-fixing

October 3, 2023 Philippines Crime & Legal iGaming & Gambling

A law that would inflict harsher punishments, such as life in jail and substantial fines, on anybody found guilty of game fixing in professional or amateur sports events in the Philippines is being pushed for ratification by Senator Jinggoy Estrada.

Estrada emphasised the need of preserving sports’ honour and combating unethical and unscrupulous behaviour. Earlier this year, he introduced Senate Bill No. 1641, also known as the Anti Game-Fixing Act, which seeks to broaden the definition of game fixing to include behaviours like point-shaving, game manipulations, or other attempts to affect game results for fraudulent or gambling objectives.

According to Estrada’s proposed legislation, the exchange of money or other valuables is not required to commit the crime of game fixing and may be used as a first indicator of misconduct. Depending on the court’s ruling, violators may be sentenced to three to 12 years in jail and fined between PHP1 million and PHP5 million. Life in jail, penalties ranging from $10 million to $50 million, or perhaps both, may be imposed in syndicate-related instances.

If a minor student is involved, administrative or disciplinary proceedings would be handled by the school or educational facility. Upon conviction for game-fixing, both professionals and amateurs would be permanently barred from participation in competitive sports.

Both the maximum penalty and a secondary punishment of everlasting disqualification from holding public office or employment are available to public officials, whether elected or appointed. Aliens who commit crimes will be deported after serving their prison term here.

Estrada also wants to give the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) the authority to suspend the credentials of sports authorities and professional sportsmen who have been found guilty of match-fixing. Anyone found in violation of other relevant laws, rules, and regulations may also have their professional licence suspended or revoked by GAB via a separate administrative process.

In order to keep sports as a source of motivation, enjoyment, and pride, Senator Estrada emphasised the need of putting rules against game-fixing into effect and encouraging professionalism in sports.