Cardinal David slams online gambling as ‘mental health plague’

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) President Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David has denounced online gambling as a "mental health plague," warning of its growing influence, particularly among the poor.

In a recent social media post, Cardinal David expressed alarm over how easily accessible online gambling has become, exacerbated by celebrity endorsements and its round-the-clock availability.

“Made available 24/7 online, more lucrative than traditional casinos, promoted by paid celebrities, accessible to Filipinos of all age levels, totally unregulated, wrecking the lives of poor people who get addicted to it,” he said.

The cardinal was responding to a now-viral Facebook post by vlogger Kyle Jennermann, known online as BecomingFilipino, who shared his troubling experience aboard a jeepney where the driver continuously played online slot machines and topped up his balance during stops.

“Sad to think, he easily blew all his earnings for work in the day… in minutes. It was one of the most depressing rides I have ever had,” Jennermann wrote.

The vlogger remarked that online gambling “has completely taken over,” citing its omnipresence in billboards, app ads, and even unsolicited text messages.

Despite these concerns, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) reported an 11.2 percent year-on-year rise in revenue for the first quarter of 2025, with much of the growth attributed to online gaming.

Earlier in March, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said the government is still reviewing whether to implement a ban on local online gambling, noting its significant contributions to employment and national revenue.