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Nicasio Conti, former anti-corruption commissioner in the Philippines, has called on the government to take stronger action against illegal online gambling. He warned that unchecked advertising is making gambling look normal and fun, even though it causes serious problems for many families.
Gambling Being Treated Like a Joke, Says Conti
Conti, who now leads Capstone Intel Corporation, spoke to the Manila Bulletin and shared his deep concerns. He said online gambling, especially things like online sabong (e-sabong), is being shown in a fun, funny way on social media.
According to him, videos and memes about gambling losses are spreading online. But instead of making people cautious, these posts make gambling look harmless and entertaining, especially to the youth and low-income communities.
“This glamorisation of gambling is dangerous,” Conti said. “It makes people ignore the financial stress and emotional pain it brings.”
Ban All Online Gambling Ads, He Suggests
Conti is now pushing for a complete ban on online gambling advertisements in the Philippines. He believes such ads make people think gambling is normal, safe, and fun, when in reality, it can lead to addiction, debt, and broken families.
He also pointed to international laws where countries have already banned gambling ads to protect their citizens. He wants the Philippines to do the same.
Illegal Websites Still Active, Despite Crackdowns
The government has already removed over 7,000 illegal gambling websites, but many come back using new names and domains. Conti explained that these operators are smart; they keep changing their digital address to stay online and avoid being caught.
Also, many of them use e-wallets and online banks, making it very hard to track if a payment is for gambling or something else.
Money Laundering Could Be the Next Big Problem
Conti warned that this kind of shadowy system could lead to money laundering, where illegal money is hidden inside normal transactions. Without strict financial rules in place, gambling money can easily be moved around without anyone noticing.
“People are being left with no protection,” he said. “We need better coordination between government agencies, banks, and even tech companies.”
Time for a United Response
Conti is asking the government to act fast. He wants lawmakers, regulators, and tech platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube to work together to stop illegal gambling ads and crack down on these websites.
He also suggested that banks and digital wallets like GCash and PayMaya should add stronger filters to block gambling payments.
Also Read: Top 25 Women Shaping The Future Of iGaming Industry
