Unregulated

It does not seem that government is aware of the alarming dimensions of the gambling problem we have on our hands. If there is official awareness, there does not seem to be an effort to put together a comprehensive policy to keep a handle on this problem.

- ALEX MAGNO

Gambling, especially online gaming, is now an addiction probably more widespread than illegal drug use. The social costs mount each day.

This rapid spiral of online gaming and gambling activity is driven by rapid digitalization, nearly universal smartphone use and the dazzling growth of financial technology (fintech) platforms. The gambling and gaming industry is now a sprawling ecosystem covering mobile gaming with in-app purchases, online betting and digital casinos, play-to-earn platforms including crypto-integrated games and remote gambling services (covering e-sabong and the POGO networks).

Before digital technologies, old-fashioned gambling was a rather cumbersome process. Jueteng collectors had to go around. Bettors had to go to bookies or cockfighting arenas to physically place a bet. It was easy to keep the underaged out. Today, all one only needs is to tap on a smartphone to fall into total gambling addiction.

Until a group of online "sabongeros" disappeared and were very likely exterminated, few of us had any idea of the scale of e-sabong and the vast amounts of money flowing into this system. Now we know. This particular activity has been banned.

We all know that prohibition is never effective. All it does is to drive the restricted activity underground—there to proliferate without any oversight or consumer protection.

More and more, we are now realizing the scale of what may be called a "consumer protection gap" that our policymakers need to address.