Internet Regulation Advances in Philippines as Lawmakers Propose Total Ban on Online Betting
The Philippines is on the brink of a significant shift in its gambling landscape, as the Anti-Online Gambling Act of 2025, a proposed legislation, seeks to ban all online gambling activities and impose stiff penalties for participation and facilitation.
If enacted, the bill would criminalize anyone who engages in online gambling, with fines reaching approximately $10,000 and potential jail terms of up to six months for individuals placing wagers. For those hosting or operating online gambling platforms, the penalties include up to five years in prison and similar fines of around $10,000.
The bill is part of a broader government effort to address concerns about social harms such as addiction, crime, and financial instability associated with online gambling. Senator Christopher Go has spearheaded this initiative, submitting Senate Bill 686 to the legislature.
In addition, efforts are underway to target online payment facilitators like e-wallets that promote gambling. These entities could face fines of up to 5 million Philippine pesos (around $90,000) and potential loss of license for repeat offenses.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank) is also tightening online gambling payment regulations to prevent misuse of digital payment systems and enforce enhanced customer verification to block access by prohibited persons.
The bill's language and the regulatory context suggest a strong stance against participation by individuals, including public officials. While there is no explicit mention of different treatment or exceptions for officials, the government's heightened concern over the social and financial impacts indicates an expectation that public servants would adhere to these prohibitions strictly.
If passed, the bill would effectively end the country's legal internet betting industry. Corporate officials or association leaders could face up to five years in prison and a PHP500,000 penalty. It would also overturn all existing laws that authorize or regulate online gambling for local residents.
As of late July 2025, the bill has not yet been enacted. Its effects will depend on legislative progress and eventual executive approval. However, the current measures reflect a government-wide push to restrict online gambling through legislative and executive orders.
Individuals and public officials caught participating in online gambling, should the bill be passed, risk legal penalties including hefty fines and imprisonment.
- The proposed Anti-Online Gambling Act of 2025 in the Philippines, if passed, would enforce strict penalties on both individuals and public officials participating in online gambling, with potential jail terms and hefty fines.
- The new policy and legislation aim to address concerns about social harms and financial instability associated with online gambling, and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is also working to tighten online gambling payment regulations.
- The government's efforts to restrict online gambling extend to targeting online payment facilitators, poised to face fines and potential loss of license if caught promoting online gambling.
