Philippines: A Critical Look at Proposed iGaming Regulations under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is contemplating more stringent regulations for the iGaming industry, including a novel taxation strategy aimed at supporting problem gambling initiatives. This move comes nearly a year after he imposed a ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs), prompting discussions on how to alleviate the social repercussions of online gambling or potentially eliminate it altogether.
Two significant legislative proposals have emerged:
House Bill 1351: The Kontra e-Sugal Act of 2025
Introduced this week, House Bill 1351 proposes a 10% tax on online gaming revenues, designed to fund resources for individuals struggling with gambling issues. Additionally, it seeks to restrict most advertisements related to iGaming, limit the use of e-wallets for transactions, and enforce credit card limitations based on players’ risk levels. This legislation mandates that iGaming operators proactively identify and mitigate risky gambling behaviors, with strict age restrictions set for participants.
“We must adopt a holistic approach to address the detrimental impacts of online gambling,” stated Representative Chel Diokno, a co-sponsor of the bill. “We cannot risk our youth’s future for the profit of gambling moguls.”
In a recent press briefing, presidential spokesperson Claire Castro highlighted Marcos’s sensitivity to the concerns surrounding gambling addiction. “The president is open to reviewing the proposal, emphasizing the need for thorough research into the tax implications,” Castro noted.
Senate Bill 142: The Anti-Online Gambling Act of 2025
Another proposal, Senate Bill 142, aims for a complete ban on all online gambling platforms. Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, who sponsored the bill, referred to gambling addiction as a “silent epidemic” wreaking havoc on individuals and communities alike.
“The consequences are severe; people’s lives are being shattered,” Zubiri remarked, adding that rising crime rates and increased debt among Filipino workers are contributing to a deteriorating mental health landscape. He argues that the economic gains from the iGaming sector—PHP47 billion ($831 million) in revenue during Q1 2025—pale in comparison to the societal damage being caused.
In an interview, Representative Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur echoed Zubiri’s sentiments, advocating for a total ban: “To eradicate the source of harm, one must do more than prune; we must remove it from the roots.”
Although Senator JV Ejercito does not push for an outright prohibition, he calls for enhanced regulations, suggesting that online gambling poses a more significant threat to public well-being than POGOs ever did. “Accessibility is nearly limitless,” he emphasized. “Unlike POGOs, which primarily impacted foreigners, online gambling’s victims include our own citizens—workers, parents, and youth.”
The Broader Struggle
Zubiri acknowledges that solving these challenges will not be straightforward, especially as the industry is backed by influential stakeholders. “This will be a difficult battle,” he told reporters, hinting at the formidable lobbying efforts yet to be unleashed against proposed reforms.
As the Philippines grapples with the complexities of iGaming regulations, the upcoming legislative debates will likely reveal a deeper societal conflict over public health, economic interests, and individual freedoms.