Online gamblers in Philippines favour regulation over ban: Study??
A new study from Philippines-based sociocultural research firm The Fourth Wall shows that most Filipino online gamblers prefer tighter regulations over a total ban, citing concerns over scams, addiction, and the proliferation of unregulated platforms.
The study, released on 23 July, surveyed more than 1,000 online gamblers from Mega Manila, Metro Cebu, Metro Davao, and other key urban centres nationwide. Its findings challenge the idea that a prohibition approach would curb gambling-related harms.
“Our study reveals greater preference for safer and regulated platforms among Filipino online gambling players,” John Brylle Bae, The Fourth Wall Research Director, said. “There is an understanding among them that an outright ban won’t stop online gambling, but instead push it underground, increasing risks like scams and addiction through unregulated channels.”
바카라ers call for safety and legitimacy in gambling platforms
A consistent theme throughout the study is the emphasis on safety and legitimacy. According to the findings, players seek “platforms that are legitimate to avoid scams,” indicating that users actively try to protect themselves through informed choices, even as frustrations persist.
Among the top complaints were “delayed withdrawals, lost money, and app glitches like login issues, errors during betting, and app crashes.” The study noted that these frustrations indicate that even regulated platforms require improvements, but they also suggest a deeper motivation among gamblers. It added that players are not only seeking entertainmentthey are seeking platforms they can trust.
The study also revealed the primary reasons people begin gambling online: “curiosity, boredom, and peer influence.” Only 8 percent of respondents cited platform perks, such as bonuses and convenience, as their primary reasons for using the platform. This finding suggests that, for most participants, it is “not merely a transactional activity but a social and recreational activity.”
Survey finds preference for regulation, not prohibition
“As online gambling continues to rise in the country, there must be a shift toward more data-driven, research-informed dialogue towards regulation and policymaking.”
– John Brylle Bae, The Fourth Wall Research Director
A core part of the study asked respondents about their views on banning online gambling altogether. The results revealed that 53 percent of respondents oppose a total ban on regulated platforms. Only 18 percent support it, while 16 percent agree with a ban but with reservations.
“For 75 percent of online gambling players, a ban will not stop online gambling and would instead drive people toward illegal sites, social media betting, and unregulated foreign platforms,” the report stated.
Instead of prohibition, players want authorities to focus on banning unregulated online gambling platformsa move supported by 80 percent of respondents. The main reasons cited were to “avoid scams and curb addiction, especially among youth and low-income groups.”
The study also classified players into behaviour-based categories. The largest group, at 36 percent, are “break-even optimists,” described as gamblers who “believe they break even, gamble moderately, and don’t borrow funds.” On the other end, 12 percent were identified as “risky borrowing high-frequency bettors” who “have a high borrowing rate and relatively frequent gambling, placing them at risk of financial strain.”
Despite these risks, the study found that 85 percent of all respondents do not borrow money for betting, suggesting that a majority maintain some financial control over their gambling habits.
Digital wallets aid in responsible gambling habits
The study also examined the role of digital payments in gambling behaviour. E-wallets are now the dominant method, with 92 percent of players preferring GCash, followed by 6 percent for Maya, and only 2 percent using over-the-counter payments.
Among GCash and Maya users, 73 percent said they trust these platforms’ age and identity verification checks, while 64 percent believe e-wallets help them manage their spending effectively. This supports the idea that technology can be a tool for enabling more responsible gambling practices.
The rapid rise in adoption was also traced to the pandemic years. “Online gambling adoption surged post-pandemic from 2022 to 2024,” the report said, attributing this to “lockdowns, digital migration, and possibly increased advertising and social influence.”
In 2024, the industry recorded PHP410 billion (6.14 billion) in gross gaming revenue, with projections indicating it could reach PHP480 billion (7.2 billion) in 2025.
Unregulated platforms and social media scams on the rise
The study’s findings come amid a sharp rise in scams linked to unregulated gambling platforms. According to recent data, there has been a 76 percent increase in online gambling scams, primarily targeting users on social media, especially Facebook.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Meta removed the Facebook pages of 20 online influencers who promoted unlicensed online gambling, following a joint request by the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Centre (CICC) and the advocacy group Digital Pinoys.
This growing threat, the study said, reinforces the concern that banning regulated sites might push users into more dangerous, unregulated spaces. Lawmakers in both the Lower and Upper Houses have raised similar concerns in recent discussions around potential gambling bans.
Trust in PAGCOR mixed; education and communication needed
When it comes to government regulation, 73 percent of those surveyed believe that oversight from agencies like the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is crucial. Still, only 61 percent said they believe PAGCOR is doing its job effectively. A sizable 34 percent said they were unsure, citing a limited understanding of PAGCOR’s actual responsibilities.
“This finding points to a need not only for regulation, but for clearer public education and transparent communication from regulators,” the report noted.
This knowledge gap could hinder public support for regulation. “The study is not about promoting or going against gambling but about recognising both the cultural realities and regulatory responsibilities at hand with the ultimate aim of protecting people,” Bae emphasised.
“As online gambling continues to rise in the country, there must be a shift toward more data-driven, research-informed dialogue toward regulation and policymaking,” he concluded.?
