Philippines Senate Launches Probe into Online Gambling amid Calls for Ban

The Philippine Senate is set to hold a public hearing next week to investigate the rapid growth of online gambling in the country, amid increased pressure to enforce a total ban.

Key Details

• Senator Erwin Tulfo, chairing the Senate Committee on Games and Amusement, has voiced support for a complete prohibition on digital betting platforms. [oai_citation:0‡pna.gov.ph](https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1255471?utm_source=chatgpt.com) [oai_citation:1‡Yogonet](https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/07/31/113319-philippines-senate-committee-to-hold-hearings-on-online-gambling?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
• Major agencies including PAGCOR and the Department of Finance will be summoned to participate and offer policy advice. [oai_citation:2‡agbrief.com](https://agbrief.com/news/philippines/01/08/2025/philippines-senate-to-launch-probe-on-online-gambling-amid-calls-for-total-ban/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
• Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and other legislators argue that current safeguards are insufficient to protect minors and low-income families. [oai_citation:3‡agbrief.com](https://agbrief.com/news/philippines/01/08/2025/philippines-senate-to-launch-probe-on-online-gambling-amid-calls-for-total-ban/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) [oai_citation:4‡Yogonet](https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/07/31/113319-philippines-senate-committee-to-hold-hearings-on-online-gambling?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Regulators Push Back

Meanwhile, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto opposes a blanket ban, warning that it would push the market underground and eliminate legal oversight. He supports higher taxes and stronger regulations as alternative solutions. [oai_citation:5‡Yogonet](https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/07/31/113319-philippines-senate-committee-to-hold-hearings-on-online-gambling?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

What This Means

• The hearings could shape new legislation affecting licensing, advertising restrictions, and age requirements for casino operators.
• Licensed platforms—including PAGCOR-approved online casinos—may face stricter rules on e-wallet payments, user age verification, and promotional campaigns.
• The outcome may influence tax structure for online gaming, with potential increases in revenue share mandates.

The probe is expected to wrap up by December, with findings potentially guiding major reforms in the Philippine gaming industry. [oai_citation:6‡Yogonet](https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/07/31/113319-philippines-senate-committee-to-hold-hearings-on-online-gambling?utm_source=chatgpt.com)