Stricter regulations sought for online gambling

Consumer advocacy groups are urging lawmakers to reconsider current proposals for a total ban on online gambling and instead pursue stricter digital regulations backed by cybersecurity measures, financial tracking and stronger enforcement tools.

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Bantay Konsyumer, Kalsada, Kuryente (BK3) and Konsyumer at Mamamayan (KM) said that sweeping bans would push online gambling underground—out of reach of regulators and more vulnerable to abuse. The groups called for policies that focus on identifying and disabling illegal gambling operations through smarter, tech-based approaches.

"People are right to be concerned about the harms tied to gambling," said Karry Sison, BK3 convenor. "But simply banning something operating in cyberspace will not work as illegal online gaming sites operating from abroad, beyond our laws, will still be able to spread harmful software and stealing user data," Sison said.