Camille Villar pushes for stricter review of online gambling rules | Pinakabagong Balita sa Pilipinas

Camille Villar pushes for stricter review of online gambling rules — Sen. Camille Villar Sen. Camille Villar MANILA, Philippines — Senator Camille Villar has renewed her call for a comprehensive review of the country’s ...

Sen. Camille Villar

Sen. Camille Villar

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Camille Villar has renewed her call for a comprehensive review of the country’s online gambling regulations, warning of its “harmful effects and adverse social impact” on minors and vulnerable sectors.

Speaking during a Senate Committee on Games and Amusement hearing on Thursday, Villar urged the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), and other relevant agencies to strengthen coordination and close enforcement gaps in the current regulatory framework.

“There is an urgent need to review and strengthen the current regulatory framework governing online gambling… to better protect youth, minors, and low-income individuals from online gambling harms,” Villar said.

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The senator, who had earlier filed resolutions at the start of the 20th Congress seeking a review of online gaming operations, cited the serious public health risks posed by the proliferation of gambling on digital platforms. These include addiction, financial distress, mental health issues, and other consequences affecting families and communities.

Villar lamented that despite existing laws, online gambling content remains widespread on social media, video-sharing apps, and influencer pages — often glamorizing betting as a fast, easy, and lucrative pursuit. Such portrayals, she warned, entice unsuspecting individuals, particularly the youth.

She also raised alarm over recent suicide cases linked to online gambling, which were discussed during the Senate hearing. Villar said the incidents underscored the need for a more thorough review of existing laws and stricter implementation by concerned government bodies.

The push for tighter regulation comes amid ongoing debates in Congress over whether to impose a total ban on online gambling in the country.

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