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The Philippine government is now working on a new plan to tax online gambling and make rules to protect people, especially those who may be affected by gambling addiction. This move comes as online gaming continues to grow in the country, raising concerns about how it impacts Filipino society.
Government Wants to Regulate Online Gambling Better
Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto confirmed that his department is working on ideas to tax online gaming. In an email shared with BusinessWorld, Mr. Recto said they understand public worries about how online gambling affects people’s lives and families.
He stated, “We are already studying and will propose an online gaming tax.” However, he did not share exact details about how the tax will work or when it will begin.
Not Just Tax – Other Rules May Also Be Coming
Aside from the tax, the government is also looking at other ways to control online gambling. Mr. Recto said they want to go beyond just collecting money and focus on protecting people from the risks of addiction.
Some of the possible new rules include:
- Limiting the number of hours a person can play online games.
- Setting a cap on how much money can be loaded into gambling accounts.
- Showing clear warnings about the risks of gambling on every platform.
- Banning all government workers from taking part in gambling activities both online and offline.
These changes aim to make online gambling safer and more controlled in the Philippines.
Focus on Player Safety and Responsible Gaming
Mr. Recto added that all plans will be carefully reviewed to make sure they can be carried out properly. The goal is not just to stop addiction but also to make gambling platforms more responsible in how they treat users.
He said the Department of Finance fully supports adding “strong safeguards” to all types of gambling in the country, especially digital platforms that are easy to access from home.
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