Church Renews Call to Ban Online Gambling

By Inday Marisol | July 21, 2025

MANILA — In a bold and unequivocal stance, leaders of the Catholic Church have renewed their call for a total ban on online gambling in the Philippines, citing its growing social, moral, and economic impact on families and communities.

The call comes amid the continued expansion of online casinos, e-sabong (online cockfighting), and sports betting platforms across the country, many of which operate legally under Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) licenses.

“Gambling Destroys Lives.”

In a statement released over the weekend, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) reiterated its strong opposition to both legal and illegal online gambling, calling it “an industry built on addiction, debt, and despair.”

“We cannot remain silent while more and more families are torn apart by gambling addiction,” said Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, CBCP President. “Online gambling is dangerously accessible. With just a few taps on a phone, lives are ruined.”

The CBCP has urged lawmakers and the executive branch to re-evaluate the legality and morality of regulating digital gambling and instead consider a nationwide prohibition.

Government’s Stance: Regulation Over Prohibition

As of 2025, the Philippines is one of the few countries in Asia that allows licensed online gambling operations, including POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) and platforms for domestic users.

The government, through PAGCOR, argues that strict regulation and taxation of online gambling offer significant revenue while minimizing harm.

In 2024 alone, PAGCOR reported over ₱80 billion in gross gaming revenues, a significant portion of which came from online operations.

Church Urges Policy Shift

The Church, however, believes that regulation is not enough. It argues that even licensed platforms normalize vice behavior, especially among younger generations.

“The presence of digital gambling in every household—accessible through smartphones—makes it more dangerous than traditional casinos,” Bishop David said.

The CBCP is also calling for expanded public education, pastoral outreach to families affected by gambling, and support for those struggling with addiction.

Mixed Public Opinion

Public response to the Church’s renewed stand has been mixed. While some praised the moral clarity of the bishops’ position, others questioned whether a total ban is realistic in a country where online gaming is deeply entrenched and economically lucrative.

“We understand the risks, but we also rely on the industry for jobs and funding,” said one anonymous PAGCOR official. “The answer may lie in stronger safeguards—not blanket bans.”

The Road Ahead

The Church has not indicated whether it plans to directly lobby Congress, but its statement is expected to influence upcoming debates around proposed reforms to the country’s gambling laws, including the potential restructuring—or outright removal—of PAGCOR’s regulatory powers.

As the industry continues to grow, so too does the moral and legal debate around online gambling, and the Church has made it clear that its position will not waver.

Sources:

• CBCP Official Statement (July 2025)
• Philippine News Agency (PNA) – Online Gambling Revenue Reports
• PAGCOR Annual Report 2024
• Interviews with independent HR and policy consultants
• Public comments and reactions via social media monitoring