Meta Takes Action Against Filipino Influencers Promoting Illegal Online Gambling Amid Growing Calls for a Ban
In a decisive move, Meta, the parent organization of Facebook, has eliminated the pages of 20 Filipino influencers linked to the promotion of illegal online gambling activities. This action aligns with ongoing efforts to regulate the burgeoning iGaming industry in the Philippines, which has sparked intense discussions regarding its legality and societal impact.
The decision came after a formal request from both the Philippine Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center and Digital Pinoys, a collective advocating for responsible digital practices in the region. Ronald Gustilo, a representative of Digital Pinoys, expressed gratitude to Meta for prompt action in addressing the issue. “This is just the beginning,” he commented, signaling hopes for further removals in response to their ongoing inquiries.
Senator Joel Villanueva, a proponent of stricter laws against online gambling, praised this development, viewing it as a crucial advancement toward the complete prohibition of iGaming in the Philippines. Villanueva has been championing Senate Bill No. 47, known as the Anti-Online Gambling Act, which seeks to outlaw all forms of online gaming activities.
Among the influencers affected, notable names include Sachzna Laparan, who boasts a following of nearly 10 million, and Boy Tapang, with 5.5 million followers. Gustilo remarked, “These influencers underestimated the seriousness of promoting illegal activities online, and now face the repercussions of their actions.”
The Church’s Stance on iGaming
Adding to the voices advocating for change, leaders from the Catholic Church have been vocal about the need to prohibit online gambling. In a recent message, Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David, head of the Catholic Bishops Conference, questioned the apparent silence from various sectors, including governmental and media entities. He indicated that the financial benefits linked to the iGaming industry often overshadow the troubling consequences faced by those ensnared by gambling addiction.
Despite the challenges, the legal online gaming sector in the Philippines has seen explosive growth, with revenues hitting approximately PHP154.51 billion ($2.7 billion) in 2024—an increase of 165% from the previous year. Nonetheless, illegal iGaming remains a pressing concern, as evidenced by reports from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation revealing the blockade of nearly 6,000 unauthorized gambling sites within a single month.
Furthermore, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently imposed a ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations due to alarming reports of money laundering, trafficking, and related crimes.
Diverging Opinions on Regulation vs. Ban
Interestingly, a recent survey involving 1,000 online gamblers in the Philippines indicated a preference for stronger regulations over an outright ban. Conducted by the research firm The Fourth Wall, the study revealed that many respondents characterized their gambling habits as casual and low-risk. They expressed clear priorities regarding safety and legitimacy, suggesting that a total ban would merely push players towards unregulated platforms.
About 36% of those interviewed identified as "break-even optimists," indicating a moderate approach to gambling. Meanwhile, while a small percentage admitted to risky behaviors, the majority firmly believed in the necessity for regulated environments to mitigate threats like scams and addiction.
John Brylle L. Bae, director of research at Fourth Wall, commented on the findings, stating, “Our data underscores a strong desire for regulated options among Filipino online gamblers. The belief that banning the activity would only exacerbate existing problems is a key insight from our research, suggesting that consumers value safer and supervised alternatives.”
For further details on the study, you can visit Fourth Wall’s report.