Philippines banning gambling ads?

[Russlenat]

In Serbia, casinos & gambling ads are everywhere... You see it on national television, newspapers, radio, the internet, kids YouTube channels & games for kids, at any time of the day or night. I'm not against it, but it's too much and should be regulated somehow.

You are from Serbia? May I know what kind of impact gambling has there? Does it bring more positive or negative effects to the people? Is gambling addiction also a big problem in your country?

Because if gambling is very open there, then I assume it has already become one form of entertainment for many people. And if it is not causing serious problems that destroy peoples lives, maybe thats why the government is not taking stronger action against it.

Here in the Philippines, we have already seen many cases of gambling addiction. If you listen to the news, there are people who became addicted and ended up committing robbery, stealing, or other crimes just to get money to finance their gambling.

[Die_empty]

This does not really need advertisements because people can already see other people smoking, and that alone can make them curious to try it.

Gambling is different now because most of it is done online and can easily be hidden. You may not even know that someone is already gambling because they are just doing it inside their room. So when gambling is heavily advertised online, I think it can easily attract more people even if they dont personally see others gambling.

I actually notice this in our country. There are people who I can say are really poor, but they still come to our store to cash in through GCash just to gamble. Sometimes its only around $5, but for them that amount could already be useful for a day. And since we know they are not going to win in the long run, it starts to look less like gambling for entertainment and more like just giving money to the operators.

The US has the highest rate of gamblers globally but the government is not pushing stringent rules like the Philippines. The reason might be because most people don't see gambling as a means of making money in the US. When people are unemployed and poor, they start seeking ways to survive. Sadly, gambling becomes one of the means of surviving. I am afraid that these measures that the government of Philipines are putting in place might not curtail gambling addiction until the economy improves.  

We also face the same increase in the poor using their small returns for gambling in my country. Many gamblers would switch to unlicensed casinos when the government comes up with some stringent restrictions.  

[Awaklara]

We also face the same increase in the poor using their small returns for gambling in my country. Many gamblers would switch to unlicensed casinos when the government comes up with some stringent restrictions.  

Phenomena like that happen in almost every country, even in countries that ban gambling. Online gambling activities can still be done illegally. Even though there are bigger risks, like fines and criminal charges, in reality gamblers always do it to make money from luck. 

If the Philippine government has strategic steps and implements them gradually to reduce gambling addiction there, it could be effective. But if all they do is block ads on TV or social media, that step might not be effective enough.

[Mr. Magkaisa]

We also face the same increase in the poor using their small returns for gambling in my country. Many gamblers would switch to unlicensed casinos when the government comes up with some stringent restrictions.  

Phenomena like that happen in almost every country, even in countries that ban gambling. Online gambling activities can still be done illegally. Even though there are bigger risks, like fines and criminal charges, in reality gamblers always do it to make money from luck. 

If the Philippine government has strategic steps and implements them gradually to reduce gambling addiction there, it could be effective. But if all they do is block ads on TV or social media, that step might not be effective enough.

How bad is gambling ads in the Philippines? after Marcos Jr, announced the POGO banned on his SONA it appears that it was pure talk and just for fun

WHY?

You can see some ads on highways.
You can see ads on social media even on messenger.
You can see ads on TV
And even you are in CINEMA, you will see ads on the big screen even outside the cinema its flashing.

[Jostern]

I feel every country should do that, just to prevent kids getting sucked into this business. I mean they do it with cigarettes and other stuff, same should go for gambling ads. But no, in other countries you see this stuff 24/7, in commercials on TV, on adds in football stadiums and and and. Philippines are doing the right thing cause over there the gambling pandemic is already very advanced, saw a documentary about this subject some weeks ago on youtube. Better try to stop it before it gets even worse.



 

But I’m curious if doing all that just to crack down gambling is even going to provide any solutions to whatever they want to eradicate from their Country.

People who knows about gambling are still going to find other means of having access to gambling, there is so many technologies out there now that can provide unimaginable access to casino gambling online, we have VPN that can do all of this things.

I guess they’re trying to protect children from gambling informations, they should just stop them from using a phone, I think that is the only solution for them, probably 18+ can use a phone, I think that is what will work perfectly.

Stopping gambling addiction is something that is a personal decision, doing all that might not provide any solutions, they should first all work on their economy and provide job and opportunity for its citizens, then see what happens with the gambling addiction.

[fredericktaylor]

When people get used to gambling, gambling ads are not necessary anymore. People who are already used to gambling can indirectly become the spokespersons for casinos.

Well said. Those who are familiar with gambling does not care if there are gambling ads or there are none of them. People face gambling indirectly everywhere. They see episodes of gambling in movies, they see gambling elements in games, they read about gambling. There are many more example. That banning is similar to not talking about what everyone already know about. I dont know who will banning save from gambling? Those who are first time in the internet or went outside their house for the first time most likely.

They are not the target here, those ads are targeting more of a non-player and try to lure them into playing for the first time. And if that happens, then chances are they are going to fall for it and then the vicious cycles start.

Of course, those who are into gambling already knows the ads and so they won't care that much. But those who are seeing it for the first time might be the next statistics in our country to become gambling addicts.

Basically, gambling advertisements usually attract a person to gamble. Gambling advertisements usually tempt people, as a result of which a person starts gambling with the mindset of getting rich quickly, as a result of which they quickly lose all their money. Those who are not actually involved in gambling, but only by watching advertisements without knowing or understanding anything, are attracted to gambling with the goal of getting rich quickly, as a result of which they quickly lose money. Another important point is that the number of those who are not of legal age to gamble is increasing day by day. The government can take various steps to curb addiction, but I think it will not be possible to control it properly if the common people are not aware of it themselves.

[Bigjoe33]

So do you think this will actually pass or is it already too late?

You can also share what is happening in your country if you have a similar situation.

To me I do not see it as something too late because even though there are others who already fallen a victim of gambling addiction, the prevention could help those who are yet to start gambling or having interest to start gambling. It is not actually that easy to entirely eliminate gambling adverts across all the social media platforms, and even though there is a restriction there could be some people who are accessing the internet or gambling site with VPN which could allow them to have full access to everything on the internet.

Well, I think this is gonna be more active on intending gamblers and not already existing and addicted gamblers. Addiction is a very strong thing to curb and simply passing a bill to stop gambling ads on all social media platform will not stop already existing and addicted gamblers to stop gambling.

But I want to look at it from the positive side, yea. If gambling ads are totally prevented on social media, that's if the bill is passed and signed into law, it then will help the younger ones from taking there attention away from gambling or not having much thought about it since they are not conversant with such ads or seen such updates always anything they are online. I think it's a positive one, at least, the younger generation, of course not all will be saved from possible future addiction to gambling.

[angrybirdy]

When people get used to gambling, gambling ads are not necessary anymore. People who are already used to gambling can indirectly become the spokespersons for casinos.

Well said. Those who are familiar with gambling does not care if there are gambling ads or there are none of them. People face gambling indirectly everywhere. They see episodes of gambling in movies, they see gambling elements in games, they read about gambling. There are many more example. That banning is similar to not talking about what everyone already know about. I dont know who will banning save from gambling? Those who are first time in the internet or went outside their house for the first time most likely.

They are not the target here, those ads are targeting more of a non-player and try to lure them into playing for the first time. And if that happens, then chances are they are going to fall for it and then the vicious cycles start.

Of course, those who are into gambling already knows the ads and so they won't care that much. But those who are seeing it for the first time might be the next statistics in our country to become gambling addicts.

Basically, gambling advertisements usually attract a person to gamble. Gambling advertisements usually tempt people, as a result of which a person starts gambling with the mindset of getting rich quickly, as a result of which they quickly lose all their money. Those who are not actually involved in gambling, but only by watching advertisements without knowing or understanding anything, are attracted to gambling with the goal of getting rich quickly, as a result of which they quickly lose money. Another important point is that the number of those who are not of legal age to gamble is increasing day by day. The government can take various steps to curb addiction, but I think it will not be possible to control it properly if the common people are not aware of it themselves.

Very well said, the main target of those advertisements that appear everywhere is really those people who they know will be interested when the ads show the possibility of having a better life, having lots of money, or finding a solution to their problems and financial struggles...The saddest part is, what if someone who is already experiencing serious financial problems sees or comes across a gambling advertisement and gets the idea that gambling might actually help to solve their problems? But once they start gambling, they may end up being even more deeply trapped in their problems because they start using the little money they have for gambling. That is what people are trying to avoid, to prevent someone from getting involved in a bigger problem simply because they gained the courage or hope that they might be able to escape to their struggles by trying gambling, just like what is portrayed in these commercial advertisements.

[JoyceBTC]

Even though they ban gambling ads, it not a guarantee that people will stop gambling, gambling addicts will still gamble and pass information between themselves but it will help younger ones who might likely get influenced by most of this ads to start gambling to stay out of it.

This will reduce the awareness of gambling site more especially for new casinos, because ads are one of the easiest means people get to know more of this gambling sites, it might also reduce income for gambling sites, so for that aspect it might be an issue but regardless people will still gamble.

[bakasabo]

In Serbia, casinos & gambling ads are everywhere... You see it on national television, newspapers, radio, the internet, kids YouTube channels & games for kids, at any time of the day or night. I'm not against it, but it's too much and should be regulated somehow.

You are from Serbia? May I know what kind of impact gambling has there? Does it bring more positive or negative effects to the people? Is gambling addiction also a big problem in your country?

Because if gambling is very open there, then I assume it has already become one form of entertainment for many people. And if it is not causing serious problems that destroy peoples lives, maybe thats why the government is not taking stronger action against it.

Here in the Philippines, we have already seen many cases of gambling addiction. If you listen to the news, there are people who became addicted and ended up committing robbery, stealing, or other crimes just to get money to finance their gambling.

In my country there are also a lot of gambling ads; in form of banners and unskippable videos in the internet, in form of billboards at roadside and public transport stops, there are small casino franchises in many places in the city. What impact is has done to society? Hard to tell. Because those who are not smart enough and consider gambling as way to get money, will gamble without those ads. Those who have weak self-control, will gamble and become addicted. Those who are not well raised, will turn criminal to get money for gambling and not only for gambling. If there was a switch that turn on and off ads, then switching it on and off does not change anything.

[Zadicar]

A Senate bill wants a nationwide ban on online gambling ads across all media platforms, so that probably means TV, social media and other online platforms.

So what's really happening in the Philippines now? They make the problem worse first before making this kind of measure. I wonder if it's just for show because it's not really preventing the problem, it's more like showing that they are doing their job to protect people even though the damage has already been done.

And to think this is still just a bill. If there are powerful people supporting big casino operators, then maybe it will not be that easy to pass.

So do you think this will actually pass or is it already too late?

You can also share what is happening in your country if you have a similar situation.

The real story on here is that they are trying out to crack into those casinos which arent regulated or simply didnt go into those permits and other regulation thing on which they do end up on having those bans because they wanted to tax up everything and knowing Philippines is a corrupt country then you can expect that those who sitted on the higher position will definitely be having this kind of goals and now there are tons of influencers are being listed out on promoting those non regulated casinos on which it will really be imposes up such penalties or whatsoever that in connection into it. If they are really doing this completely on banning it because they are that in concern into their citizens about gambling addiction then its great but to see it or zooming out then its obvious on what they are trying out to achieve.

[L E G E N D A R Y]

Even though they ban gambling ads, it not a guarantee that people will stop gambling, gambling addicts will still gamble and pass information between themselves but it will help younger ones who might likely get influenced by most of this ads to start gambling to stay out of it.

Well maybe that’s because the goal of banning gambling online ads isn’t to completely ban people from accessing gambling sites, it was the ads that’s banned not gambling itself. Whenever stuffs like this happens, it’s simply to reduce the online presence of gambling, probably because the wrong audience are getting the information than those who are actually intended. Whenever an ad is sent out on the internet or air, no one knows who’s gonna have access to it, no one knows what the receiver is gonna do with that information, and this can be really dangerous if it’s not regulated or censored.

[Yeesha]

They said it will help Filipinos against gambling addiction. The Bill as not yet been signed, but if it is sign, maybe it might reduce gambling exposure, but I do not think it will reduce gambling exposure in countries that people are gambling very well already. They can easily pass gambling information among themselves from friends to friends. But this might affect some gambling sites, especially the upcoming ones.

I don't think banning gambling ads would solve their problems. Because information spread easily true the air, and without advertising gambling, people will still get to know about any new casino that is built or innovate. Even if they banned gambling in that country some people will still find their ways to gamble, especially if they are obsessed with gambling. Obsession and addiction are different and cannot be use interchangeably, but they can have impact on one another.

 Addiction can occur as a result of obsession. Developing interest in wanting this or that, or gambling deliberately with a huge amount of money with the aim of wanting more returns can definitely enhance addiction. A gambler is only safe when he has the authority to use minimum amount to gamble, and also have the ability to control himself both physically and emotionally. Having access to casino doesn't signifies that you should put all your efforts, time, and trust in it. Some casinos are too good to be true and does not deserve spending your resources in it. Desperation is/ can be dangerous in some cases, that's why it is very important for you to be extremely careful when making decisions in terms of gambling or any situation. The Philippines should overthink it, before making any decision, and if they think banning gambling ads will solve their problems, then fine.

[letteredhub]

The way at which gambling ads are displayed in almost every platform visited online is becoming alarming and this I also think may have being the reason to which a lot of addicted gamblers keep coming back even after making a bold step of quitting, but as they continue to use the internet they are faced with pop up gambling ads that lures them back into the gambling world again.

Though it may seem that the government is coming late with a solution but it's better late than never doing anything to curbing the menace.

[vs2014]

I think banning gambling ads is a positive step to prevent young people from gambling because ads is the first step where people see about gambling. Then free spins and exclusive deposit bonuses draw their attention and make them visit the website for gambling. Although banning isn't the solution cause gamblers will find gambling platforms through website or other channels. So better for government to focus on age verification, action against illegal platform and ensure awareness as they already got lots of tax from gambling. So many double on it whether the government able to enforce the law properly even after passing the bill.

[LogitechMouse]

----
And to think this is still just a bill. If there are powerful people supporting big casino operators, then maybe it will not be that easy to pass.

So do you think this will actually pass or is it already too late?

You can also share what is happening in your country if you have a similar situation.

But they are actually banning those illegal casinos right?
---
They are talking about possible banning of online casinos and yet it didn't happened. It seems there's a strong force stopping it and maybe they are just using that banning word to gain traction and try to impress people then show that they are doing something with those illegal online casinos.

Banning illegal casinos are a good action by the government, but banning even the legal ones and banning gambling ads is a different thing, and like what many have been said here, there's a strong inside force that prevents this from happening, and with how much these huge companies are earning annually, they could just pay them just to prevent this from happening.

Just for context, there's a one big gambling company that's been listed on our Stock Market Exchange, and I knew it because I see it since I'm from the same country. They're too big that the government are benefitting hugely from then through the taxes that they're paying. Speaking of taxes, the government is benefitting from these legal casinos as well in the form of the taxes they're paying, as for the government themselves? They don't even care about their countrymen in the first place. What a country we are living right now? I doubt that this "Gambling ad ban" will push through, will be passed and will become a law.

I'm not against this one because it will help many people and the number of addicted gamblers will decrease gradually. The one that will be affected are the owners, and if you're a business owner, you will not let your revenue go down, and you'll do everything just for you to not make it happen. How cruel they are. 

[Bitcoin_people]

I think the Philippine government has done a great job with this initiative because the promotion of gambling on social media platforms is really bad. Basically, such a plan will definitely save the children of the future generation from gambling, currently we can see that with technology, mobile phones have become such a device for children that everyone uses it. When a school boy enters social media through a mobile phone, he sees gambling ads in various ways and goes there to enter. Basically, children definitely fall for the lure of many tempting promotions on social media. And in the Philippines, if the government has taken such an initiative, it will be good for their future generations. According to the current situation, gambling advertisements are given on social media, which people see and enter here and it harms the education of children a lot. However, in my country, gambling advertisements are still running on social media, which are constantly threatening the future generations.

[DrBeer]

A Senate bill wants a nationwide ban on online gambling ads across all media platforms, so that probably means TV, social media and other online platforms.

So what's really happening in the Philippines now? They make the problem worse first before making this kind of measure. I wonder if it's just for show because it's not really preventing the problem, it's more like showing that they are doing their job to protect people even though the damage has already been done.

And to think this is still just a bill. If there are powerful people supporting big casino operators, then maybe it will not be that easy to pass.

So do you think this will actually pass or is it already too late?

You can also share what is happening in your country if you have a similar situation.

To begin with, as I’ve discovered, gambling is officially permitted and completely legal in the Philippines, but the industry is strictly regulated by the government. As expected, this is the case in many countries.
The issue for me is that the relevant committees need to understand that a ban, or measures similar to one (such as a ban on advertising) , may not only fail to achieve the desired result but could actually increase interest.
If the goal is to combat addiction, then the solution lies not in bans but in proper public education, identifying and restricting addicts access to gambling sites, stricter monitoring of user accounts, and similar measures. It is also worth introducing educational programs in schools and universities to help children develop a healthy attitude toward gambling and to warn them about potential problems.

[sompitonov]

I think banning gambling ads is a positive step to prevent young people from gambling because ads is the first step where people see about gambling. Then free spins and exclusive deposit bonuses draw their attention and make them visit the website for gambling. Although banning isn't the solution cause gamblers will find gambling platforms through website or other channels. So better for government to focus on age verification, action against illegal platform and ensure awareness as they already got lots of tax from gambling. So many double on it whether the government able to enforce the law properly even after passing the bill.

Of course, this may be a bold statement, but advertising will continue on a smaller scale because gambling platforms have powerful resources due to their large profits and spheres of influence. I also believe that advertising has a very strong influence on players and potential players, who are simply pressured into placing a bet. It's a simple reminder, but as soon as a compulsive gambler sees it, the urge to place a bet arises in their mind. This also applies to young players, so banning advertising will likely have a positive impact on players, as long as they actually do so.

[Aanuoluwatofunmi]

Government have the power to regulate any sector they wanted within the economy and this is why the mostly gambling as what day easily disturbed some of it activities especially when it comes to promoting for some platforms, however, advertising for gambling does not directly place harm to the receiving ends including children that will be coming across ads from gambling, they have to understand that not all platforms can be regulated from this promotions that we see, the major thing is to see that children are being limited to what they are given access to by their guidance.