Online gambling ban is being pushed by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian in the Philippines to regulate gambling platforms better. Gatchalian has filed a bill titled “An Act Regulating Gambling in the Philippines”.
The bill aims to stop the use of e-wallets for online gambling, which makes it easier for people to place bets.
The bill also sets a minimum cash-in amount of P10,000 for online gambling platforms. Currently, some gambling sites allow bets as low as P20, which Gatchalian thinks makes it easier for people, including kids, to gamble online.
Raising the Age Limit for Online Gambling
Senator Gatchalian is also worried about young people gambling online. He wants to raise the minimum age for online gambling from 18 to 21. This would make sure only adults can legally participate in online gambling.
Banning Gambling Ads Near Schools and Religious Places
The proposed bill will also regulate the advertising of online gambling. The bill wants to ban gambling ads within 200 meters of schools, religious places, and other public areas.
It also bans gambling ads during public events like sports games, concerts, and cultural events. The bill would require social media platforms to follow these rules too.
E-Sabong and Inland Online Gambling
The bill also covers e-sabong, which is online cockfighting, a growing issue in the country. The bill aims to regulate inland online gambling to prevent illegal gambling activities.
Support for the Bill and Other Proposals
Senator Joel Villanueva has filed a similar bill called the Anti-Online Gambling Act, which wants to completely ban online gambling in the Philippines. Both bills come in response to the growing issue of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) and the rise of local online gambling platforms.
Additionally, Senator Gatchalian has filed a separate bill to increase the tax-exempt income for Filipinos, raising the limit from P250,000 to P400,000. This means that people earning P400,000 or less won’t have to pay income tax, which could help improve their take-home pay.
Conclusion
The online gambling ban is a step toward protecting Filipinos, especially the youth, from the risks of online gambling. As the bill moves forward, it hopes to find a balance between regulating gambling and allowing for safe economic growth.
References:
- Philstar.com –Bill seeks to ban online gambling tied to e-wallets
- Newsinfo.inquirer – Public warned against illegal offshore gaming sites
- Senator Joel Villanueva – Filed the Anti-Online Gambling Act to ban online gambling.
- Philippine Tax Reform – Gatchalian’s proposal to increase tax-exempt income for Filipino workers.
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