In the Philippines, amidst the public outcry for a "total gambling ban," the sports sector presents a different stance: online gambling, despite its controversies, is a crucial financial supporter of Philippine competitive sports.
Cynthia Carrion, the agent of Carlos Yulo, chairman of the Philippine Gymnastics Association and Olympic gymnastics champion, pointed out: "Without the sponsorship from the gambling industry, we couldn't afford foreign coaches or bear the costs of international competitions. What the public sees is the podium, but behind that are high expenses for training, nutrition, and travel, all quietly funded by gambling enterprises."
Carrion stated that licensed gambling companies like DigiPlus and Interactive Corp. have been providing ongoing sponsorship to athletes through corporate social responsibility programs for many years. It is with this support that athletes like Yulo, Olympic bronze medalist boxer Eumir Marcial, and PBA star Scottie Thompson have been able to consistently compete and enhance their athletic performance.
Gambling funds also deeply penetrate the youth training systems, local competitions, and university sports, covering multiple aspects such as player training, coach hiring, and venue construction, becoming an invisible force supporting the base of the Philippine sports "pyramid."
Carrion candidly expressed that with the government's tight budget, gambling companies often "fill the gap" at critical moments. A sweeping ban on gambling could impact not just the gambling industry itself but the entire national sports ecosystem.
Currently, the legal gambling industry contributes billions of pesos annually to sports funding. The sports sector worries that a total ban could not only stimulate a rebound in illegal gambling but also significantly diminish the Philippines' competitiveness in international sports arenas.
"Stricter regulation is certainly possible, but simply turning off the tap is not the solution." Sports industry insiders emphasize that how to regulate the gambling disorder while maintaining the lifeline of sports development will be a significant test of the government's governance wisdom and policy balance.
