Online gambling persists as a significant force, with E-Sabong leading the charge, in the Philippine digital gambling landscape
In the wake of a nationwide ban on e-sabong (online cockfighting) issued by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in December 2022, illegal gambling websites continue to host these games, underscoring significant enforcement challenges.
These unregulated platforms, which operate through private social media groups and messaging, have proven resilient, using technologies such as VPNs and frequent domain changes to circumvent regulations. According to a report by Fourth Wall Research, these platforms offer an average of 72% more games than regulated platforms, highlighting the lack of government oversight.
The continued operation of these illegal sites has significant implications for online gambling regulation in the Philippines. The persistent presence of unregulated platforms exposes critical gaps in enforcement and player protection, as they do not provide safeguards against gambling harms and promote excessive betting through aggressive bonuses.
The rise in illegal gambling activities despite restrictions suggests that bans alone are insufficient. Instead, there is a need for enhanced regulatory frameworks, targeted enforcement, and public awareness campaigns to address online gambling risks comprehensively.
The situation has fueled debates on whether the government should tighten or reconsider the outright ban versus adopting a more regulated approach to online gambling. Balancing player protection with containment of illegal operators is a complex task, one that is further complicated by the operational differences between regulated and unregulated platforms.
The Fourth Wall Research Director, Brylle L. Bae, stated that the report demonstrates how prohibited games like e-sabong remain easily accessible on unregulated platforms. This persistence underscores a regulatory challenge where prohibition coexists with active illegal markets, influencing policy considerations on effective online gambling governance in the Philippines.
Notably, an independent trade group has been formed by online gambling operators in the Philippines, advocating for safer gambling and stronger player protection measures. However, the involvement of some of the country's richest people in illegal e-sabong contests adds a layer of complexity to the issue.
President Marcos Jr is hesitant to issue a complete ban on online gambling, unlike his actions towards Philippine Offshore Gambling Operators and e-sabong. The ongoing activity in the illegal e-sabong market may influence his future decisions regarding online gambling regulation.
Sources:
- Rappler. (2023, February 10). Marcos Jr. eyes regulation of online gambling vs. outright ban. Retrieved from https://www.rappler.com/nation/785277-marcos-jr-eyes-regulation-of-online-gambling-vs-outright-ban
- Inquirer.net. (2023, February 10). Online cockfighting continues despite Marcos Jr's ban. Retrieved from https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1593532/online-cockfighting-continues-despite-marcos-jrs-ban
- ABS-CBN News. (2023, February 10). Online gambling operators form independent trade group in PH. Retrieved from https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/02/10/23/online-gambling-operators-form-independent-trade-group-in-ph
- GMA News Online. (2023, February 10). Fourth Wall: Illegal gambling platforms offer more games than regulated ones. Retrieved from https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/business/companies/834367/fourth-wall-illegal-gambling-platforms-offer-more-games-than-regulated-ones/story/
- Philippine Star. (2023, February 10). 34 e-sabong workers presumed dead. Retrieved from https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/02/10/2203281/34-esabong-workers-presumed-dead
