Akbayan Partylist has filed a measure strictly regulating online gambling platforms in the country to address reports of worsening gambling addiction particularly among the youth.
“We cannot gamble away our youth’s future. Our children cannot become collateral in the jackpot dreams of gambling tycoons,” Akbayan Representative Chel Diokno added.
Diokno together with Akbayan Representatives Perci Cendaña, Dadah Ismula and Dinagat Islands Representative Kaka Bag-ao filed House Bill No. 1351 or the Kontra E-Sugal bill.
‘Wag nating hayaang isugal ng ating mga kababayan, hindi lang ang kanilang pera kundi pati buhay at pangarap.”
“We need a whole-of-government approach if we want to combat the ill effects of online gambling. ‘Wag nating hayaang isugal ng ating mga kababayan, hindi lang ang kanilang pera kundi pati buhay at pangarap,” the legislator said.
The proposed measure seeks to limit access to online gambling to individuals aged 21 and above and mandates strict Know-Your-Customer (KYC) protocols, requiring a national ID or government-issued identification for registration.
It also includes the following salient provisions:
* E-wallets and super apps will be banned from advertising and linking to online gambling.
* Online gambling ads will also be banned in public spaces.
* PAGCOR will set daily, weekly, and monthly betting and loss limits to promote responsible gambling practices.
* Players will be auto-suspended upon breaching PAGCOR-defined time or loss limits.
* A 10 percent tax on online gambling will fund addiction rehabilitation, education, enforcement, and research.
* A National Online Gambling Self-Exclusion Registry to be maintained and administered by PAGCOR will be established.
* It will also require the government to adopt a comprehensive, evidence-based, and multi-sectoral approach to prevent and mitigate gambling-related harms.
“Hindi dapat ganito kadali para sa mga kababayan nating itaya at mawala ang lahat ng mayroon sila.”
“Hindi dapat ganito kadali para sa mga kababayan nating itaya at mawala ang lahat ng mayroon sila,” the lawmaker added.
“Sa pamamagitan ng mga pagkilos na ito, magkakaroon ng malakas na proteksiyon ang ating mga kababayan sa panganib ng online gambling at maiiwasan ang pagkalugmok ng mga pamilya sa utang at pagkakawatak-watak,” he added.
Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros will file an identical version in the senate.
