Win some, lose some: Responsible gaming takes spotlight as Filipinos bet online

SPECIAL REPORT

- Richmond Mercurio

Online gambling has taken the country's gaming industry by storm. With its accessibility and growing popularity, it is also taking money out of Filipinos' pockets fast.

A 35-year-old site engineer who requested anonymity told The STAR that she was able to win as much as P75,000 in one day and P180,000 in a week from playing online games.

Her winnings were put to good use, paying for her father's medication as well for their bills at home.

A single parent, she started playing online games only last year, primarily due to the influence of her friends who played online casinos.

"It's for fun. I started playing with my workmate," she said, admitting that she was also enticed by the prizes involved.

She said that she usually spends between P1,000 and P2,000 per day for online games, mostly coming from her salary.

However, there were also times when she borrowed money in order for her to play.

"For me, I don't think more Filipinos should try gambling online, especially those who believe that they will win but do not think that they can also lose," she said.

"If you have extra money to play, it's OK, but if not, then don't try it. They say gambling is addictive but it depends. People should know their limits," she added.

Unfortunately, not all players have her self-control — and luck.

A 39-year-old overseas Filipino worker, who also requested anonymity, suffered huge losses — not only financially — due to online gambling.

He said financial troubles due to his online gambling activities led to separation with his wife of three years.

Nicasio Conti, CEO of high-impact research firm Capstone-Intel Corp., has called online gambling "a silent epidemic" which is available 24/7 and is being disguised as entertainment.

He warned that online gambling could fuel debt, mental health problems and even financial crimes such as money laundering.