A growing majority of Filipino online gamblers prefer stronger regulation over an outright ban, citing safety, trust, and consumer protection as their top concerns, according to a new study by sociocultural research firm The Fourth Wall.
The survey, conducted among over 1,000 online gambling players in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, Metro Davao, and other key cities, found that 53% of respondents oppose banning regulated platforms, while 80% support a ban on unregulated ones. Players believe that prohibition would simply push gambling underground, increasing the risk of scams and addiction through illegal channels.
“An outright ban won’t stop online gambling,” said John Brylle L. Bae, research director at The Fourth Wall. “It will only drive it to unregulated spaces where there’s less consumer protection.”
Most respondents migrated from informal betting activities such as sabong, perya, or social media-based gambling, with only 7% coming from land-based casinos. Safety and legitimacy emerged as key priorities, with players actively seeking platforms that are licensed and regulated—mainly to avoid scams, which have surged 76% on unregulated platforms in recent years.
The study categorized gamblers into behavioral groups, including the largest segment, “break-even optimists” (36%), who gamble moderately without borrowing funds, and “risky borrowing high-frequency bettors” (12%), who face higher financial risk. Overall, 85% said they do not borrow money for gambling.
Curiosity, boredom, and peer influence—not platform perks—were the main reasons players tried online gambling. Still, frustrations persist even among regulated users, including delayed withdrawals, lost funds, and app glitches.
The report also highlighted the role of e-wallets in enabling safer play. GCash was the top choice for 92% of respondents, followed by Maya at 6%. About 73% of e-wallet users trust these platforms’ age and identity checks, and 64% believe such features help them manage spending.
While 61% believe the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) is doing its job, a third remain unsure, underscoring the need for clearer public communication about regulatory safeguards.
The study noted that online gambling’s gross gaming revenue hit P410 billion in 2024 and could reach P480 billion this year—growth fueled by post-pandemic digital adoption and increased visibility.
Bae said the findings should inform “more data-driven, research-informed dialogue” on gambling policy, balancing cultural realities with regulatory responsibility.
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Editor’s note: The Manila Monitor does not condone online gambling or gambling in any form. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling-related issues, consider seeking professional help through organizations such as the Department of Health’s Helpline 1555 or other accredited mental health services.
