TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
25 JUL16 P4:17
)
SENATE 
S. No.
RiicavLj^s.
Introduced by Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong"T. Go
AN ACT
PROHIBITING THE OPERATION AND CONDUCT OF ONLINE GAMBLING 
ACTIVITIES IN THE PHILIPPINES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The 1987 Constitution recognizes the role of the State in promoting a just and 
dynamic social order that will ensure the prosperity and independence of the nation and 
free the people from poverty through policies that provide adequate social services and 
economic opportunities. Additionally, the exercise of the State's police power allows it to 
restrict activities deemed injurious to public morals, safety, and order.
Online gambling, by its very nature, preys on the vulnerable, erodes family values, 
and poses risks to financial integrity, particularly when left unregulated or inadequately 
controlled. In recent years, gambling has become increasingly accessible and dangerously 
normalized in the Philippines. The emergence of online gambling platforms, ranging from 
e-casino and card games targeted at adults, to mobile gambling platforms that lure the 
youth, has dramatically increased the number of Filipinos exposed to gambling.
The growth of online gambling has given rise to a wave of gambling-related 
addiction, financial distress, and even criminal activity. Cases involving unpaid digital 
loans used for gambling, increased mental health issues, and targeting of minors through
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mobile applications have prompted alarm among regulatory bodies. This bill therefore 
seeks to declare all forms of online gambling illegal and impose clear and substantial 
penalties on individuals and entities who conduct online gambling.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought
SENATOR CHRISTOPHER BAWRENCE "BONG" T. GO


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TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
25 JUL 16 P4 :17
)
SENATE 
S. No. 656
RHCEIV'Din:
Introduced by Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong"T. Go
AN ACT
PROHIBITING THE OPERATION AND CONDUCT OF ONLINE GAMBLING 
ACTIVITIES IN THE PHILIPPINES
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Anti-Online Gambling 
Act of 2025"
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to promote a just 
and dynamic social order that will ensure the prosperity and independence of the nation. 
Through policies that provide adequate social services, promote full employment, and a 
commitment to create economic opportunities, the State shall free the people from 
poverty. Thus, the State shall adopt measures to eliminate and prohibit all forms of online 
gambling
SECTION 3. Prohibition on Online Gambling and Similar Acts. - Upon the effectivity 
of this Act, it shall be prohibited for any person or entity to conduct or offer online 
gambling. Online gambling shall refer to placing, receiving, or otherwise knowingly 
transmitting a bet or wager by any means which involves the use, at least in part, of the 
internet.
The prohibition includes the following:


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(a) Establishing, operating or conducting online gambling in the Philippines;
(b) Accepting any form of betting for online gambling operations;
(c) Distributing information online, in whole or in part, on placing, receiving, or 
otherwise knowingly transmitting a bet or wager by any means; and
(d) Advertising or publicizing gambling activities online to an individual, group, or 
the general public, or promote awareness of the gambling activities.
SECTION 4. Penalties. - Any person who violates Section 3 of this Act shall be 
punished by an imprisonment ranging from one (1) month to six (6) months or a fine of 
not less than One Hundred Thousand Pesos (Phpl00,000.00) nor more than Five Hundred 
Thousand Pesos (Php500,000.00) at the discretion of the court.
If the offender is a corporation or association, the maximum penalty of five (5) 
years and the fine of Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php500,000.00) shall be imposed 
upon the President, Director, Manager or Managing partners thereof.
If the offender is a public officer or employee, or if a public officer or employee 
promotes or encourages online gambling, the maximum penalty prescribed for the 
offense shall be imposed and, in addition, he shall be dismissed from the public service 
and perpetually disqualified from holding any public office, to vote and to participate in 
any election.
SECTION 5. Repeal of Authority to Regulate Online Gambling. - All laws, decrees, 
executive orders, rules and regulations, which are interpreted to give legal authority to 
regulate any forms of online gambling are hereby repealed.
SECTION 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within thirty (30) days from 
the approval of this Act, the Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local 
Government and the Secretary of the Department of Justice shall jointly promulgate the 
rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this measure.


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SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and 
regulations or parts thereof contrary to, or inconsistent with this Act are hereby modified 
or repealed accordingly.
SECTION 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,