The digital gamble: Phl grapples with online

The digital gamble: Phl grapples with online | Daily Tribune

In recent years, especially in the post-pandemic period, online gambling has become increasingly prevalent in the Philippines, as many Filipinos see it as a quick escape from their economic struggles.

A 2021 study by Lucille Dote Evangelista, Reymelyn Candice Lagumbay and Kris Pagcaliwagan of Batangas State University showed the top reasons Filipinos develop gambling behavior.

“Financial problems, family problems and conduct problems emerged” as the top reasons, followed by “early big wins.”

Gambling became easier in the country following the emergence of online gambling websites, where an individual can access different games such as slot and card games within a few taps.

Additionally, most of the aforementioned sites are linked to various banking and e-wallet applications, making the process of cashing in more seamless.

Aside from legitimate online casino sites, there is also a proliferation of illegal casino websites that are unregistered with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR).

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the government is already working with the Electronic Gaming Licensing Department to block illegal “Scatter” gaming websites.

Gambler’s realization

For Nick, not his real name, a 26-year-old business process outsourcing employee, “Scatter” has been his path to earning additional income.

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 and there are instances in which sometimes the amount I cash in gets tripled,” he said.

Nick continued that he usually loses P2,000 from his monthly income of P30,000, and once he loses, he will request a loan through Online Lending Apps (OLAs), until he realized his outstanding debts had already ballooned.

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

He had debts to at least seven lending companies and on different credit cards totaling up to P200,000.

As a way to move forward, he said that he already requested the casino sites to block his account as he sought a personal loan to slowly pay his debts.

What makes it addicting?

The idea of receiving big rewards and having a shot at improving one’s current financial status are the top reasons why online casinos remain addictive.

Psychologist assistant professor Shiela Marie Manjares-Bulus explained one of the psychological hooks behind gambling:

“First is what we call intermittent rewards. From 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 that 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 noted.

She also believed that there’s an increased possibility that 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 a psychological disorder.

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 aiming to completely stop their habits should seek professional help as they undergo “structural rehabilitation” through counseling, and sometimes with the need for medication.

A gambler’s plea

On Facebook, where streamers used to mainly play ML or Valorant, now it’s mostly casino games.

For Nick, who was heavily influenced to play online casino games by content creators and gaming streamers, social media played a major role in drawing more people into gambling.

“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,” Nick said.

“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 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.”

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