The Philippine government is currently conducting a comparative analysis of local online gambling operations and offshore online gambling services to determine if the former could lead to similar social issues.
The Deputy Minister of the Presidential Communications Office, Castelo, stated that current research data shows that online gambling operations within the Philippines have not yet led to significant criminal activities, unlike the situation with offshore online gambling services.
She noted that offshore online gambling services often employ a large number of foreign workers, whereas the workforce composition of local online gambling services is quite different, with about 90% of the workforce being Filipino. Additionally, offshore online gambling services face certain tax compliance issues, while local online gambling services contribute positively to the Philippine economy through tax contributions and marketing expenditures.
Although local online gambling services have not yet caused serious social issues, Castelo emphasized that the government will not hesitate to take strong measures if similar negative impacts as those seen with offshore services arise in the future.
She mentioned that the President has made it clear that if data analysis confirms that local online gambling services cause problems similar to those of offshore services, the government will consider implementing a comprehensive ban.
Currently, the Philippine government continues to monitor the development of the online gambling industry and plans to further refine regulatory policies to ensure compliance and minimize potential risks.
