Akbayan files bill to regulate online gambling, set age limits, mandate ID verification

Akbayan party-list has filed House Bill No. 1351, known as the Kontra E-Sugal Act of 72nd Congress, aiming to regulate online gambling platforms in the Philippines.

The bill proposes restrictions on access for individuals under 21 and mandates government-issued ID verification for registration while introducing a national self-exclusion registry and betting loss limits.

Senator Risa Hontiveros has filed a bill tightening policies on online gambling, including a ban on linking gaming platforms to e-wallets and super apps, following calls from legislators to strengthen government regulations to curb gambling addiction.

The bill also sets the minimum betting age to 21 and requires identity verification to prevent underage gambling. It also orders PAGCOR to impose betting and loss limits, bans advertisement of online gambling in public spaces and media, and imposes fines up to P5 million for violations.

Both bills propose a 10% tax on online gambling operators' gross revenues to fund addiction treatment and recovery programs through a Special Gambling Harm Reduction Fund.