Online gambling has surged in popularity in the Philippines, especially in the post-pandemic era, with many Filipinos turning to it as a quick escape from financial hardship. But behind the promise of easy money is a growing trail of addiction and debt.

A 2021 study by Lucille Dote Evangelista, Reymelyn Candice Lagumbay, and Kris Pagcaliwagan of Batangas State University revealed that the top drivers of gambling behavior in Filipinos are “financial problems, family problems, and conduct problems,” followed closely by “early big wins.”

The boom in online casino platforms such as BingoPlus and ArenaPlus has made gambling more accessible than ever. With just a few taps, users can enter slot or card games and cash in instantly through popular e-wallets like GCash and Maya.

While some of these platforms are licensed, the proliferation of illegal, unregistered casino websites is a growing concern. The Palace said it is working with the Electronic Gaming Licensing Department to crack down on unregulated “Scatter” sites.

Gambler’s realization

Nick (not his real name), a 26-year-old BPO worker, shared how what began as a side hobby turned into a dangerous cycle.

He said he started betting P3 to P5 and was winning at least P1,000 to P2,000. Eventually, he began placing larger bets, and at one point, he won P18,000 and P23,000 in separate instances.

“I’m playing only on three platforms, BingoPlus, CasinoPlus and PlayTime, and there are instances in which sometimes the amount I cash in gets tripled.”

Nick said he used to spend P2,000 monthly on gambling from his P30,000 income. When he loses, he turns to Online Lending Apps (OLAs)—a habit that eventually snowballed into P200,000 in debt from seven lending companies and multiple credit cards.

“And then there I realized that sh*t, my debts from credit cards and OLAs are big already,” he added.

Realizing the financial damage, he requested online casino platforms to block his accounts and applied for a personal loan to start paying off his debts.

What makes it addicting tho?

Psychologist Asst. Prof. Shiela Marie Manjares-Bulus explained the psychology behind gambling’s hold:

“First is what we call intermittent rewards. In a psychological perspective, when you play gambling, slot machines, or anything that has gaming, even those in an arcade, the reward is not fixed. So you're more hyped up,” she said.

The psychologist also mentioned the seamless cashing-in procedure in e-wallets has already become a big factor.

 “Because before, you have to go to bingo or casinos to gamble, but nowadays, as long as you have these e-wallets, you can easily cash-in and play.”

She also believed that there’s an increased possibility that the money earned from gambling can be easily lost by a gambler.

“Psychologically, since you didn’t earn that money the hard way, the mindset becomes: it’s okay to waste it or eventually let it go.”

Citing the Diagnostic Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, Manjares-Bulus said that gambling addiction is already considered as a psychological disorder already.

Some signs that a person may be a gambling addict include feeling the need to increase bets and making several unsuccessful attempts to stop gambling.

She also mentioned that gamblers who are eyeing to completely cut off their habits to seek professional help as they undergo “structural rehabilitation” through counseling, and sometimes with the need of intake of medicines.

A gambler’s plead

The influence of online streamers, many of whom now promote casino games instead of video games, has raised alarm bells.

Nick said streamers played a large role in encouraging him to gamble.

“Most of their viewers come from low to lower-middle-class backgrounds — people who have the time to stay on social media because it’s a small escape after a 9-to-5 job or after working under the sun all day. Yes, it’s up to the person if they’ll give in, but not everyone has the same level of vulnerability when it comes to temptation.”

I’ve seen people blame the ones who get hooked on gambling, as if it’s entirely their fault. I hate that kind of mindset—it feels like they’re defending the vloggers and influencers, saying they have nothing to do with it. But the truth is, they do have a share of the responsibility. Their reach is massive, and they know that. People will see the gambling they promote. They’re called influencers for a reason,” Nick added.

He also hopes that e-wallets like GCash and Maya will be disconnected from casino sites.

“It’s a big no,” he said. “Gaming has become too easy. Direct casino links should be removed from their platforms. It’s far too accessible — with just one cash-in, they’re already in the casino.”

In March 2024, Senator Robinhood Padilla filed a bill seeking to punish people who will publish and promote gambling and casino activities online.