CICC steps up crackdown on illegal online gambling platforms

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CICC Deputy Executive Director Renato Paraiso stresses that unregulated gambling operators can manipulate and scam unsuspecting Filipinos

MANILA, Philippines – The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) is ramping up its campaign against illegal online gambling platforms and operations in the Philippines.

In a press statement on Friday, July 11, the CICC slammed unregulated gambling platforms that “have become increasingly aggressive in targeting Filipinos — using influencers, digital wallets, and algorithm-driven advertising to lure in players, including minors.”

The CICC said that illegal platforms not registered with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) are “built to be predatory,” as they are easily accessible and may not include proper guardrails for age verification.

“Their unchecked growth not only puts individuals at financial and psychological risk, but also deprives the nation of revenues that could fund essential public services,” the CICC said.

During a press conference on Friday, CICC Deputy Executive Director Renato Paraiso stressed that unregulated gambling platforms may potentially manipulate their results. This could victimize and scam unsuspecting Filipinos on their apps.

“One of the dangers of illegal online gambling is hindi natin nare-regulate. Ibig sabihin, hindi natin malalaman kung mina-manipulate ’yung gambling nila. Baka nama-manipulate nila ’yung results, nama-manipulate nila ’yung mechanism ng gambling nila. So puwede sila mandaya doon,” Paraiso said.

(One of the dangers of illegal online gambling is they aren’t regulated, which means we have no way of knowing whether or not they manipulate their gambling. Maybe they manipulate their results or their mechanisms, so they can deceive others on their platforms.)

Ronald Gustilo, national campaigner of Digital Pinoys, provided more examples of how players on these platforms can be scammed and exploited. Digital Pinoys is a network of digital advocates focused on digital rights, fintech, and other technology-related developments.

“Linked ’yung mga online gambling doon sa unauthorized transactions ng e-wallet providers, linked sila doon sa phishing incidents kung saan ang mga personal information ng mga tao ay nakuha…. May mga manipulation ng results at hindi nila ma-cash out ‘yung mga napanalunan nila. After nila manalo, ni-restrict ‘yung access nila to the platform, so hindi nila nakuha ’yung winnings nila,” Gustilo explained in the press conference.

(Online gambling is also linked to unauthorized transactions from e-wallet providers and phishing incidents where people’s personal information can be retrieved and exploited…. There are incidents of results being manipulated, and incidents where players cannot cash out what they won. After they win, their access to these platforms is restricted, so they can no longer claim their winnings.)

Paraiso also said their plans to crack down on online gambling extend to other illegal online activities, such as promoting unregistered products.

Previously, CICC warned influencers who endorsed illegal online gambling platforms that they could be subject to prosecution. At the July 11 press conference, Paraiso reiterated this warning and ordered influencers to take down related online promos and content.

Online gambling has hogged headlines over the past few weeks due to growing concerns that new apps and platforms are making gambling more accessible to Filipinos.

Various politicians and religious figures have also raised awareness on the negative financial and societal consequences of gambling addictions. They also raised concerns that new online platforms may have ushered in a new wave and generation of gamblers in the country.

While a number of lawmakers such as Senator Migz Zubiri have pushed for a total ban on all forms of online gambling, bodies like Pagcor are seeking stricter regulations instead. 

However, Pagcor has since ordered the removal of billboards and other out-of-home advertisements related to gambling. GCash also recently tightened its advertising restrictions after it faced criticism from legislators and netizens for making e-gambling accessible. – Rappler.com