Bill Proposing Ban on Internet Gambling Entered in Philippines

A Philippines Congressman has filed a House Bill 7689 that would outlaw online gambling in the country, Ricardo S. Cruz, Jr said on the bill, “While it has been a way for the government to generate income, this should not come at the cost of endangering our people, let alone minors, with activities that bring about addictive behaviour as well as an increase of mental health and financial problems, vices and crime rates.”

Under the bill it would fine any person placing bets some P500,000 ($9,100) or a six month jail term. Also anyone person responsible for operating online gambling would receive a five year jail term and also a P500,000 ($9,100) fine.

The bill also states that a public officer who promotes or is involved in online gambling will receive a fine, a jail term and be banned from public office, with the Congressman saying that the activity was, “linked to the destruction of the nation’s moral fabric.”

At present the bill is being reviewed at Committee level and is not certain to pass a vote there with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp saying that legal gambling in the country earns tax coffers around P9 million ($164,000) each day.