MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has admitted that enforcing the ban on online casinos in the country is proving to be a major challenge. The ban, which was implemented in response to concerns over the negative impact of online gambling on society, has been met with resistance from operators and players alike.
In a recent statement, PAGCOR Chairman Andrea Domingo acknowledged that the proliferation of online casinos in the Philippines has made it difficult to completely shut down the industry. “We are aware that there are still a significant number of online casinos operating in the country despite the ban,” she said. “Enforcing the ban has proven to be quite a challenge, given the sheer number of operators and players involved.”
According to Domingo, the popularity of online casinos in the Philippines has only increased since the ban was announced. Many operators have continued to offer their services by simply changing their domain names or moving their servers offshore. Additionally, a large number of Filipino players have found ways to access international online casinos using virtual private networks (VPNs) or other methods to circumvent the ban.
The Philippines has long been considered a hub for online gambling, with many international operators setting up shop in the country due to its favorable regulatory environment and low operating costs. However, the rapid growth of the industry has raised concerns about its negative impact on society, including issues related to gambling addiction, money laundering, and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
In response to these concerns, the Philippine government implemented a ban on online casinos in 2019, citing the need to protect the welfare of Filipino citizens. However, the ban has faced criticism from some quarters, with opponents arguing that it will only drive the industry underground and make it harder to regulate.
Despite the challenges, PAGCOR remains committed to enforcing the ban on online casinos in the Philippines. “We are working closely with law enforcement agencies to track down and shut down illegal operators,” said Domingo. “We are also looking into new technologies and strategies to prevent players from accessing online casinos through illegal means.”
In the meantime, Filipino players who have been affected by the ban are encouraged to seek help from addiction counselors and support groups. PAGCOR has also launched a public awareness campaign to educate the public about the dangers of online gambling and promote responsible gaming practices.
As the debate over online casinos in the Philippines continues to unfold, one thing is clear – enforcing the ban will be a complex and challenging task. However, PAGCOR remains determined to protect Filipino citizens from the negative effects of online gambling, even if it means facing an uphill battle against operators and players who are unwilling to comply.
