Filipino Online Gamblers Prefer Regulation Over Ban: Study

Gamblers Demand Safer, Legal Platforms

The central theme of the research was safety and legitimacy. Respondents indicated a strong preference for legal platforms as a means to avoid scams, suggesting that users are actively trying to protect themselves despite ongoing dissatisfaction.

The most common complaints included:

• Delays in withdrawals
• Lost funds
• App login issues
• Incorrect bets
• App crashes

These issues were found on both regulated and unregulated platforms, highlighting that while the industry has room for improvement, users are ultimately seeking reliability and trust.

The study also revealed that the primary motivations for engaging in online gambling were curiosity, boredom, and peer influence, rather than bonuses or platform features. Only 8% cited promotions and convenience as their main reasons. This indicates that gambling is seen by many not merely as a financial transaction but as a social and leisure activity.

Majority Oppose Total Ban; Prefer Targeted Crackdown

“As online gambling continues to grow in the Philippines, it’s critical that regulation and policy dialogues are grounded in research and data.”
— John Brylle Bae

When asked about a total ban on online gambling, 53% opposed banning regulated platforms, while only 18% supported a complete prohibition. Another 16% were cautiously in favor but had reservations.

According to the study, 75% of gamblers believe a ban wouldn’t stop gambling, and would only push users toward illegal websites, social media-based betting, or offshore unregulated platforms.

Instead of outright prohibition, 80% of respondents favored stricter government action against unregulated sites, citing the need to prevent fraud and protect youth and low-income communities from gambling addiction.

The study categorized users by behavior. The largest segment (36%) were “optimistic balancers”—people who believe they neither win nor lose, gamble moderately, and don’t borrow money. The highest-risk group (12%) were “frequent, high-risk borrowers” who gamble heavily and rely on frequent loans, putting themselves at financial risk.

Despite these risks, 85% of respondents said they do not borrow money to gamble, indicating a degree of financial self-control among most users.

E-Wallets Foster Responsible Gambling

The study also examined the role of digital payment tools in gambling. E-wallets were the dominant method, with 92% of users preferring GCash, 6% using Maya, and only 2% opting for over-the-counter transactions.

Among GCash and Maya users:

• 73% trusted the platforms’ age and identity verification mechanisms
• 64% believed e-wallets helped them manage spending better

These findings support the notion that technology can encourage more responsible gambling behavior.

The report traced the sharp rise in usage to the post-pandemic period (2022–2024), attributing it to lockdowns, digital migration, and increased advertising and social influence.

In 2024, the Philippine gambling industry generated ₱410 billion (approximately €6.14 billion) in gross gaming revenue, with projections of ₱480 billion (€7.2 billion) for 2025.

Unregulated Platforms Fuel Rise in Social Media Scams

The findings come amid a spike in scams linked to unregulated gambling platforms. According to the latest data, online gambling-related scams have surged by 76%, mostly via social media platforms like Facebook.

On Tuesday, Meta took down 20 Facebook pages of influencers promoting illegal gambling, responding to a joint request from the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) and advocacy group Digital Pinoys.

The report emphasized that this growing threat reinforces concerns that banning regulated platforms could drive users toward even riskier, unregulated alternatives. Lawmakers in both houses of the Philippine Congress have echoed similar concerns during recent debates on gambling bans.

Public Trust in PAGCOR Divided; More Education Needed

On the regulatory front, 73% of respondents believe the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) plays a vital role in overseeing the industry. However, only 61% believe PAGCOR is performing effectively, and 34% are unsure, primarily due to a lack of understanding of the agency’s actual responsibilities.

“This highlights the need not only for enforcement but for greater transparency and public education around regulatory functions,”
— The Fourth Wall Report

John Brylle Bae stressed:

“This study neither supports nor opposes gambling. Its goal is to understand the cultural reality of gambling and the responsibility of regulation, all with the aim of safeguarding the public.”