The Fourth Wall conducted research that reveals 75% of surveyed players believe that an outright ban on online gambling will not stop the activity. Instead, surveyed players think the ban will drive players to underground sites, social media betting, and unregulated foreign platforms.
In contrast, 80% of respondents support the possibility of stronger regulations against illegal gambling platforms to prevent scams and curb addiction, particularly among young people and low-income groups.
The Fourth Wall surveyed over 1,000 online gambling players from urban areas like Mega Manila, Metro Cebu, Metro Davao, and key cities in other growth centers across the country. Most respondents had previously engaged in informal or unregulated street gambling, such as sabong or perya, with only 7% coming from land-based casinos.
John Brylle Bae, research director at The Fourth Wall, stated, “Our study reveals a greater preference for safer and regulated platforms among Filipino online gambling players.” He pointed out the fact that players understand that a ban would not eliminate online gambling but only push it underground, increasing risks of scams and addiction through unregulated channels. This suggests a desire for regulation rooted in the need for safer options and better consumer protection.
The study showed that there will be 76% increase in scams targeting social media users on unregulated gambling platforms, particularly on Facebook.
Additionally, the players’ perceptions of government regulation showed that about 73% believe regulation from institutions like the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (Pagcor) is important. While 61% feel that Pagcor is fulfilling its responsibilities, 34% are unsure, pointing to a lack of understanding about the corporation’s role. This indicates a need for clearer public education and transparent communication from regulators.
The research noted a surge in online gambling adoption post-pandemic, from 2022 to 2024, driven by factors such as lockdowns, digital migration, and increased advertising. In 2024, online gambling generated P410 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR), with projections of rising to P480 billion this year.
E-wallets are also playing a significant role in promoting responsible gambling. The majority of players (92%) prefer using GCash, followed by Maya (6%), while only 2% use over-the-counter payment methods. About 73% of e-wallet users trust the platforms’ age and identity checks, and 64% believe these platforms help them regulate their spending for responsible gambling.
Bae concluded, “The study is not about promoting or opposing gambling, but about recognizing the cultural realities and regulatory responsibilities involved, with the ultimate aim of protecting people.” He stressed the importance of data-driven, research-informed dialogue for effective regulation and policymaking as online gambling continues to grow in the country.
