MANILA, Philippines — Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has filed a bill seeking stricter regulation of online gambling in the Philippines, including a proposed ban on the use of electronic wallets for placing bets and a P10,000 minimum cash-in requirement.
Gatchalian said the bill intends to establish tighter oversight of digital gambling activities, citing the growing use of e-wallets as a facilitator of potentially harmful betting habits.
“This is part of our broader effort to promote responsible gambling and protect individuals from addiction and financial distress,” the senator said.
The measure aligns with ongoing government efforts to assess and manage the social impacts of online gambling. Regulatory agencies have been asked to evaluate how the proposed changes would affect the industry and consumers.
Gatchalian emphasized the importance of balancing economic interests with public welfare.
If passed, the bill could reshape how online gambling platforms operate in the Philippines, particularly those that rely on e-wallet payments.
The success of the measure will depend on support from fellow lawmakers and input from various sectors during the legislative process.