Ex-Philippine official urges total ban on online gambling ads
A former commissioner of the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC) has called for a nationwide ban on online gambling advertisements as the government continues its campaign against unauthorised online gambling platforms. According to local media reports, Nicasio “Nick” Conti, now head of Capstone Intel Corp., raised concerns over the growing influence of online gambling, warning that it poses serious risks to public health and financial security.
The call comes as the Philippine government reported the shutdown of over 7,000 illegal gambling websites. Authorities say efforts to track and block such platforms remain ongoing, as many operators attempt to avoid detection by switching domains.
Harm to families and vulnerable users
Conti said online gambling disproportionately affects financially vulnerable groups and is often promoted through strategies that disguise it as harmless entertainment. He pointed to the prevalence of e-wallets and online banking services used to fund gambling, warning that these digital tools blur the line between legitimate transactions and addictive behaviours.
He argued that gambling should no longer be viewed as a private activity, noting its links to debt, mental health issues, and financial crimes, including money laundering. Conti added that the online gambling environment is hazardous because it is always accessible and heavily promoted through targeted digital advertising.
Need for stronger regulation and cooperation
Conti urged coordination among key government agencies, including the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and Congress. He said this multi-agency effort is essential to design and implement adequate safeguards, like those adopted in countries where online gambling is either tightly regulated or banned.
He warned that the current regulatory gap could allow gambling-related harm to continue unchecked, particularly among young users and low-income households. Conti also framed online gambling as a social and governance issue, saying it contributes to broader challenges such as poverty and corruption.
Digital age requires modern laws
Conti emphasised that current laws must be adapted to address the evolving nature of gambling in the digital age. He said that policymakers should consider stricter rules on advertising and funding channels to help prevent addiction and protect the public from financial harm.
The calls came a week after PAGCOR launched the “PAGCOR Guarantee,” an online platform that allows users to check the legitimacy of internet-based gaming sites. The gaming regulatory body said the move is part of PAGCOR’s campaign to clamp down on illegal online gambling.
