Over 50K jobs at risk if legal online gaming banned

More than 50,000 jobs could be lost if pending proposals to ban legal online gaming in the Philippines are passed, according to data released this month from online gambling operators.

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With the sector now contributing billions to government funds and employing tens of thousands of Filipinos nationwide, stakeholders are calling for stricter enforcement, not outright prohibition, to address concerns surrounding the industry.

Licensed platforms contributed over P112 billion to the government in 2024, with P16.6 billion going to PhilHealth for universal health care and P46.32 billion remitted as dividends to the national treasury. The same industry also supported P12.37 billion in socio-civic programs through the Office of the President and over P5.9 billion in taxes to the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

Despite these contributions, some legislators are pushing for a total ban on legal online gaming, a move that legal experts warn could backfire.

"The real enemy is illegal, unregulated gambling, not the licensed platforms that follow strict safeguards and contribute meaningfully to national development," said Tonet Quiogue, CEO of Arden Consult.