Philippines Welcomes International Support in the Fight Against Illegal Online Gambling
The Philippines is facing a huge challenge on illegal online gambling. It hurts many people. China’s embassy in Manila is ready to assist the Philippine government on this matter. As for now, illegal offshore gambling has been one of the greatest challenges since about 2016. This enables offshore operators to target individuals in jurisdictions that are prohibited from gaming such as China. The result? This leads to more scams, identity theft, and credit card fraud. This calls for quick action and foreign assistance to solve this crisis.
The Menace of Illegal Online Gambling
The bad impacts are more than just about losing money. Illegal gambling areas have become places for criminal actions, helping money laundering, fraud, and corruption to happen. Socially, addiction to online gambling causes serious issues like robberies, kidnappings, and even suspected murders. The government faces a tough task in breaking down illegal operations and protecting its citizens from the risks tied to them. The recent closure of three illegal gambling zones, with China’s support, is a significant step towards overcoming challenges. It highlights the potential when countries join hands to tackle the wider issue of online gambling.
Incorporating key terms:
- The Chinese embassy in Manila has voiced its commitment to assist in combating illegal offshore gambling.
- Government and law play a pivotal role in regulating the gambling landscape to mitigate online gambling harm.
- The closure of illegal zones signifies a move in the right direction, underscoring the importance of international cooperation.
Here’s the data on the revenue of the online games industry in the Philippines (2017 to 2027):
| Year | Revenue (in million U.S. dollars) |
| 2017 | 22.90 |
| 2018 | 19.26 |
| 2019 | 19.07 |
| 2020 | 24.39 |
| 2021 | 26.27 |
| 2022 | 25.74 |
| 2023 | 26.91 |
| 2024 | 27.75 |
| 2025 | 28.32 |
| 2026 | 28.87 |
| 2027 | 28.38 |
China’s Support and Cooperation
China assists the Philippines in the battle against illegal internet gambling. This depicts a good relationship and cooperation among the two countries’ law enforcement agencies. In 2023, countries shut down three illegal offshore gambling parks jointly. Police found nearly 400 Chinese citizens who violated the law and deported them to China.
China’s support is strong. This is a joint effort between the Philippines and Australia, where they work against offshore gaming operators in unlicensed gambling activities. The government deported 36 Chinese citizens involved in illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs).
Working together, they get good results. It shows how global teamwork helps to fight cybercrime and illegal online gambling. China asks the Philippines to act firmly against illegal offshore operators and keeps helping. Both countries like the results of their joint work. It shows how working together helps to face the big problem of illegal online gambling.
The goal is the same: stop illegal online gambling and make a safe online space in both countries. Through law cooperation, China and the Philippines show that working together is key to fight cybercrime and have a well-controlled, legal online gambling scene.
The Role of Technology and Regulation
Technology has played a double role in the issue of illegal online gambling. Online platforms make it easy to reach gambling activities, but technology also gives regulation ways and watching over these activities. In the Philippines, technology is key to managing and regulating online gambling activities.
The government, with the help of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), is working to make a well-ordered and expected regulatory setting. PAGCOR’s role is very important in helping the country become one of the top gaming world’s places. The rules include steps to keep minors and people with money troubles away from gaming venues, among other regulations.
Legal online casinos in the Philippines provide a variety of games in a highly competitive market, ensuring players have a plethora of options. Players are advised to familiarize themselves with the list of legal casinos to choose the best Philippines online casino before engaging in gambling activities.
In recent years, there has been a push towards stricter regulation. A notable proposal is House Bill 7689, filed by Congressperson Rep. Ricardo S. Cruz, Jr., which seeks to outlaw all forms of online gambling in the Philippines. The bill proposes punishments of up to six months in prison or a fine of as much as PHP500,000 per any violations.
Moreover, the Philippine Senate’s Committee on Ways and Means recommended the shutdown of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) within three months due to the risk of criminal activities associated with certain POGO companies. The recommendation, led by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, was submitted to the Senate for deliberation, emphasizing the need for immediate action to curb the negative impact of offshore gaming operations.
Bottom Line
The problem of illegal online gambling in the Philippines is getting bigger. Offshore operators are taking advantage of easy-going rules. The damage is more than just money loss. It leads to serious crimes and trouble in society. The government is working hard to tackle the problem, even with hurdles in the way. The Philippines are using steps like asking for license reapplication and suggesting total bans on online gambling.
Working together with other countries, especially China, has shown big improvements in controlling illegal gambling. Their joint actions have closed down illegal gambling parks and sent back people involved in bad operations. The active efforts of both countries show how important it is for the world to work together to fight cybercrime and illegal online gambling.
