Filipino online gamblers favor regulation over outright ban

A survey by The Fourth Wall indicates that 75% of Filipino online gamblers believe an outright ban on online gambling will be ineffective and may drive players to unregulated platforms.

Instead of a ban, 80% of respondents advocate for stronger regulations to combat illegal gambling, scams, and addiction, especially among young and low-income individuals.

The study, which surveyed over 1,000 online gambling players from major urbanized areas, revealed that 53% oppose such a ban.

A significant portion of those surveyed transitioned from informal gambling methods like sabong, perya, or social media betting.

Research director John Brylle Bae stated that players prefer safer, regulated platforms and that a ban would increase risks through unregulated channels, emphasizing their desire for consumer protection.

Stricter regulation was supported by 18% of respondents who cited age restrictions, facial recognition, and real-time ID checks as specific measures.

The Fourth Wall also highlighted a 76% surge in online gambling scams on unregulated platforms, with Facebook identified as a major channel used by scammers.

The typical online gambler is a low-income, low-stakes casual player concerned about addiction's impact on mental health, families, and finances.