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In the Philippines, lawmakers are taking firm steps toward banning online gambling. They’ve even passed a law restricting e-wallet companies from directly facilitating transactions with online gambling Apps. Before this restriction, players could easily deposit or withdraw funds through their e-wallets, creating a seamless gaming experience.
But here’s the twist: while they prohibit e-wallets from processing gambling-related payments and continue to campaign against online gambling, they still allow these apps to operate. In fact, many of these apps are licensed and regulated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) — the government’s own gaming authority. To soften public perception, these platforms are now being branded not as “gambling,” but as recreational games. Adding to the irony, popular local celebrities openly endorse them.
Meanwhile, legitimate poker platforms like pokerstars have been blacklisted, despite their global reputation for fair play and transparency. PokerStars even hosts official live tournaments at Okada Manila, one of the country’s premier gaming destinations. So, where exactly does the Philippine government draw the line between gambling and recreation?
From one perspective, lawmakers’ actions may reflect genuine concern for public welfare — protecting Filipinos from addiction, fraud, and money laundering. However, the inconsistent enforcement raises questions about selective regulation, favoritism, and misplaced priorities.
For poker players — especially those who built their bankrolls through freerolls and skill-based play rather than luck — this feels like an unfair penalty. Poker, after all, is not pure gambling; it’s a mind sport recognized worldwide.
So, are we really combating the social harms of gambling, or just punishing legitimate skill-based platforms while turning a blind eye to government-backed ones?
🎲💭🇵🇭
But here’s the twist: while they prohibit e-wallets from processing gambling-related payments and continue to campaign against online gambling, they still allow these apps to operate. In fact, many of these apps are licensed and regulated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) — the government’s own gaming authority. To soften public perception, these platforms are now being branded not as “gambling,” but as recreational games. Adding to the irony, popular local celebrities openly endorse them.
Meanwhile, legitimate poker platforms like pokerstars have been blacklisted, despite their global reputation for fair play and transparency. PokerStars even hosts official live tournaments at Okada Manila, one of the country’s premier gaming destinations. So, where exactly does the Philippine government draw the line between gambling and recreation?
From one perspective, lawmakers’ actions may reflect genuine concern for public welfare — protecting Filipinos from addiction, fraud, and money laundering. However, the inconsistent enforcement raises questions about selective regulation, favoritism, and misplaced priorities.
For poker players — especially those who built their bankrolls through freerolls and skill-based play rather than luck — this feels like an unfair penalty. Poker, after all, is not pure gambling; it’s a mind sport recognized worldwide.
So, are we really combating the social harms of gambling, or just punishing legitimate skill-based platforms while turning a blind eye to government-backed ones?
🎲💭🇵🇭
). They're saying that it's a pure game of chance and it's prohibited by our religion. You should also know that horse races, dog races, sports betting and every form of lotteries and scratch cards are all allowed (Government regulated).
