Senators want stricter regulations for online gambling apps, pushing for ad bans, limits on celebrity endorsements, and a Senate hearing to address gambling concerns.
Lawmakers in the Philippines want an investigation into online gambling platforms targeting locals. They are calling for ad bans, limits on celebrity endorsements, and a Senate hearing to address concerns.
Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero warns that Filipinos, not foreigners, are losing money to these platforms. He suspects former POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) are now operating as PIGOs (Philippine Inland Gaming Operators) to avoid detection.
“Ang nawawalan at nauubusan ng pera ay Pilipino at hindi dayuhan, at malamang sa malamang ‘yung mga dating POGO ay nagtatago sa likod ng PIGO,” Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero shared in a statement.
(It’s Filipinos that are losing money from this and not foreigners. And I believe it’s likely that former POGOs are hiding behind these PIGOs.)
POGOs to PIGOs
POGOs once dominated the market, serving Chinese players under Philippine regulation. However, concerns over money laundering, human trafficking, and illegal immigration led to a crackdown. In November 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. banned POGOs, forcing many to shut down or go underground.
PIGOs emerged during COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020, catering to local players through mobile access, e-wallets, and heavy advertising. Major casinos quickly secured PIGO licenses.
Push for an Ad Ban
Senator Grace Poe wants stricter controls on PIGOs. She calls for PAGCOR to ban ads and restrict celebrity endorsements, arguing these promotions influence young and vulnerable audiences.
She compares PIGO ads to cigarette and vape promotions, which are banned for public health reasons. Poe also criticizes celebrities for endorsing online gambling apps without considering the impact on fans.
“Itong online na ito, talamak ang advertisement, open, Hindi lang daan, kundi libu-libo ang apektado diyan. So, kung maghihigpit tayo sa ibang personalities na nage-endorse dito sa investments, maghigpit din tayo pagdating dito. Paalala na rin sa mga sikat na artista, siyempre kung ano rin ang epekto nito sa kamalayan ng ating mga kababayan na humahanga sa kanila," Poe shared.
(Online gambling ads are everywhere. Thousands are affected. If we regulate investment endorsements, we should do the same here. Celebrities must think about their influence.)
What’s Next?
Poe proposes a Senate hearing to review PIGO operations and decide if they should continue. She also urges PAGCOR to act now by limiting PIGO expansion and enforcing tighter rules, even before new laws are passed.
Read related article: Philippine Police Tighten Watch vs. POGOs
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