MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed that the Philippine government has not imposed a ban on online gambling, but said multisectoral discussions will be held to assess the industry’s future.
“We are not banning anything right now,” Marcos said. “But we must take a closer look at its impact across different sectors.”
The president said the government will organize consultations involving government agencies, industry experts, and possibly community representatives. The objective is to evaluate the socioeconomic effects of online gambling and weigh both the potential economic gains and the risks to public welfare.
Marcos underscored the need for evidence-based policy-making. He said the initiative would help the government form a balanced strategy, ensuring responsible operations in the online gambling sector.
No specific timeline has been set for the discussions. However, the administration confirmed that the results of the consultations could influence future regulatory actions.
Concerns over the effects of online gambling—including addiction, financial hardship, and its link to criminal activity—have grown in recent years. Marcos acknowledged these concerns and encouraged active participation from stakeholders.
The announcement signals a cautious approach by the government, aiming to regulate rather than abruptly restrict the industry.
Further details on the format of the consultations and the list of participating stakeholders are expected in the coming weeks.
