12/07/2025
ZUBIRI FILES BILL BANNING ONLINE GAMBLING: 'A SILENT EPIDEMIC' HURTING FILIPINOS
Sen. Migz Zubiri has filed the Anti-Online Gambling Act of 2025, a proposed measure seeking to impose an outright ban on all forms of online gambling in the Philippines, calling it a "silent epidemic" that is quietly endangering Filipinos—especially minors and vulnerable sectors.
"We already shut the doors on POGOs for the damage they caused. But an even more dangerous problem has crept into our homes: online gambling that targets our own people," Zubiri warned, drawing parallels between offshore gaming operators and local digital betting platforms.
"Iba na ang itsura ng gambling addiction ngayon," he said. "It now looks like a kid with a phone under the covers at 2 a.m., losing the family's grocery money on an online casino site."
The bill proposes a total ban—not mere regulation—on online gambling, including websites, mobile apps, and other digital platforms that allow users to place bets using phones, tablets, and computers. It covers both local and offshore operators catering to Filipino users.
Under the measure, Internet service providers (ISPs), mobile networks, and digital platforms will be required to block access to gambling websites and remove related apps within 72 hours upon notice from the Department of Justice or PAGCOR. Noncompliance could lead to hefty fines, license suspension, or revocation.
Digital wallets and payment service providers, including GCash, Maya, and credit card companies, would also be prohibited from processing gambling-related transactions. Entities promoting gambling—whether through advertisements, influencer content, or social media memes—will likewise be held accountable.
"Ang dami nating nakikitang ads ng online casino sa ating mga payment wallets. Ineendorso pa ng mga sikat na artista," Zubiri said. "These memes make a parody of people losing a lot of money in online gambling."
He emphasized the growing impact on youth: "Children are learning to lie, to steal, to cheat just to fund their next bet... Ang masakit dito, mga bata na ang nahuhumaling."
Violators face stiff penalties, including:
• First offense: at least ₱20 million fine and a six-month license suspension
• Second offense: ₱50 million fine and a one-year suspension
• Third offense: at least ₱100 million fine, permanent license revocation, and criminal prosecution of top executives with up to six years of imprisonment
"There is something inherently wrong with the system," Zubiri said. "That is why I filed this measure to put an end to this once and for all."
