Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _________ 
Introduced by:  REP. SALVADOR A. PLEYTO, SR. 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The rapid expansion of online gambling in the Philippines presents a complex 
challenge, particularly concerning its profound impact on the nation's youth. While digital 
platforms offer convenience and accessibility, these very attributes make online gambling a 
pervasive and insidious threat to the well-being of Filipino minors and young adults. There is 
an urgent and undeniable need for comprehensive regulation to curb their involvement and 
addiction, supported by stiffer penalties for violations. 
The accessibility of online gambling platforms, often requiring little more than a 
smartphone and an internet connection, has blurred the lines between casual entertainment and 
dangerous addiction. Unlike traditional brick-and-mortar casinos with physical barriers and 
stricter age checks, the virtual nature of online gambling makes it alarmingly easy for minors 
to bypass safeguards, misrepresent their age, and fall prey to its allure. This ease of access, 
coupled with aggressive online advertising and the psychological design of many games, can 
quickly lead to compulsive behavior and severe gambling addiction among impressionable 
young minds. 
The consequences of youth involvement in online gambling are far-reaching and 
devastating. Academically, it can lead to declining grades, absenteeism, and disinterest in 
education as gambling consumes their time and focus. Financially, it can result in significant 
debt, theft, and even criminal activities to fund their addiction, impacting not only the 
individual but also their families and communities. Psychologically, gambling addiction can 
manifest as anxiety, depression, social isolation, and, in severe cases, suicidal ideation. The 
long-term societal cost of a generation grappling with such issues is immense, undermining 
human potential and societal stability. 
Therefore, robust legislative intervention is imperative. Effective regulation must 
include stringent age verification protocols that go beyond simple checkboxes, potentially 
incorporating advanced digital identity verification and parental control mechanisms. 
Restrictions on advertising that targets or appeals to minors are crucial, ensuring that the 
marketing of online gambling does not inadvertently normalize or glorify it for young 
audiences. Furthermore, licensed operators must be mandated to implement responsible 
gaming tools, such as self-exclusion options, deposit limits, and time-out features, to empower 
users to manage their habits. 
July 9, 2025
2:51 pm
1675


Crucially, these regulations must be backed by stiffer penalties for violations. Current 
penalties may not be sufficient to deter unscrupulous operators who prioritize profit over public 
welfare or individuals who knowingly facilitate minor involvement. Increased fines, longer 
prison sentences, and permanent revocation of licenses for operators found to be exploiting or 
enabling underage gambling are essential to send a clear message: THE PROTECTION OF 
FILIPINO YOUTH IS PARAMOUNT. Such penalties would not only punish offenders but 
also serve as a powerful deterrent, compelling all stakeholders in the online gambling 
ecosystem to adhere strictly to the law and prioritize ethical operations. 
In conclusion, regulating online gambling is not merely about controlling an industry; 
it is about safeguarding the future of the Philippines by protecting its youth. A comprehensive 
legislative framework, fortified by stringent enforcement and severe penalties, is a necessary 
and urgent step to mitigate the societal harm caused by unchecked online gambling and to 
ensure a healthier, more secure environment for the next generation. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this Bill is earnestly sought. 
SALVADOR A. PLEYTO, SR.       


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _________ 
Introduced by:  REP. SALVADOR A. PLEYTO, SR. 
___________________________________________________________________________ 
AN ACT REGULATING THE PROLIFERATION OF ONLINE GAMBLING IN THE 
PHILIPPINES, CURBING THE INVOLVEMENT AND ADDICTION THERETO OF 
FILIPINO YOUTHS, PROVIDING FOR STIFFER PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS 
THEREOF, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. 
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 "Youth Protection Against Online 
Gambling Act of 2025” 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to protect 
and promote the welfare of its citizens, especially the youth, from the detrimental effects of 
online gambling, including addiction, financial ruin, and moral decay. The State recognizes the 
need to regulate online gambling activities to ensure public order, safety, and morality, while 
also providing avenues for responsible gaming for adults and effective rehabilitation for those 
afflicted with gambling addiction. 
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. -  For purposes of this Act, the following terms shall mean: 
a) Online Gambling: Refers to any form of gambling activity conducted through the
internet, including but not limited to online casinos, sports betting, online poker, and other 
games of chance or skill where money or anything of value is wagered, and where the outcome 
is determined by chance or a combination of chance and skill.  
b) Online Gambling Operator: Any person, entity, or corporation, whether local or
foreign, that directly or indirectly operates, manages, or facilitates an online gambling platform 
or service accessible within the Philippines.  
c) Minor/Youth: Refers to any person below eighteen (18) years of age.
d) Gambling Addiction: A progressive behavioral disorder characterized by an
uncontrollable urge to gamble, leading to severe personal, social, and financial
consequences.
1675


e) Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR): The government-
owned and controlled corporation primarily responsible for regulating and licensing gambling 
operations in the Philippines. 
 
f) Relevant Government Agencies: Shall include, but not be limited to, the Department 
of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the National Telecommunications 
Commission (NTC), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the National Bureau of 
Investigation (NBI). 
 
SECTION 4. Prohibited Acts. The following acts related to online gambling are hereby 
declared unlawful:  
 
a) Allowing Minors to Gamble: Any online gambling operator, or any person acting on 
their behalf, who knowingly allows, facilitates, or encourages a minor to participate in online 
gambling activities.  
 
b) Operating Without a License: Operating an online gambling platform or service 
accessible within the Philippines without a valid and current license issued by PAGCOR, or 
operating beyond the scope of such license.  
 
c) Aiding and Abetting Minor Involvement: Any person who knowingly aids, abets, or 
conspires with an online gambling operator or a minor to facilitate the minor's involvement in 
online gambling.  
 
d) Misrepresentation of Age: Any minor who misrepresents their age to gain access to 
online gambling platforms.  
 
e) Unlicensed Promotion/Advertising: Promoting or advertising online gambling 
services within the Philippines without proper authorization from PAGCOR. 
 
f) Facilitating Unlicensed Operations: Any financial institution, payment gateway, or 
internet service provider that knowingly facilitates transactions or provides services to 
unlicensed online gambling operators. 
 
SECTION 5. Stricter Regulation and Licensing.  
 
a) Enhanced Licensing Requirements: PAGCOR shall formulate and implement 
stricter licensing requirements for online gambling operators, including but not 
limited to:  
 
i.    Proof of financial capability and integrity. 
ii.   Robust age verification systems.  
iii.  Implementation of responsible gaming features (e.g., self-exclusion, deposit    
      limits, time limits). 
iv.  Compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing        
       regulations.  
v. Submission of regular audits of their systems and financial transactions.  
 
b) Regular Audits and Monitoring: PAGCOR, in coordination with relevant 
government agencies, shall conduct regular and unannounced audits and monitoring 


of all licensed online gambling operators to ensure strict compliance with this Act 
and other relevant laws.  
 
c) Revocation of License: PAGCOR shall have the power to suspend or revoke the 
license of any online gambling operator found to be in violation of this Act or its implementing 
rules and regulations. 
 
SECTION 6. Age Verification and Access Restrictions.  
 
a) Mandatory Age Verification: All online gambling operators shall implement 
stringent age verification protocols at the point of registration and continuous monitoring 
thereafter. This shall include, but not be limited to, requiring valid government-issued 
identification, biometric verification where feasible, and other reliable methods to confirm the 
age and identity of users. 
 
b) Parental Control Features: Online gambling operators shall provide and prominently 
display information on how parents and guardians can utilize parental control software and 
other tools to restrict access to online gambling sites.  
 
c) Blocking of Unlicensed Sites: The DICT and NTC, in coordination with internet 
service providers (ISPs), shall be mandated to block access to all unlicensed online gambling 
websites and applications accessible within the Philippines. PAGCOR shall regularly provide 
a list of such unlicensed sites. 
 
SECTION 7. Advertising and Promotion Restrictions.  
 
a) Prohibition on Youth-Targeted Advertising: All forms of advertising and promotion 
of online gambling shall be prohibited in media, platforms, or venues primarily aimed at or 
significantly accessible to minors, as well as advertising on primetime hours. Such advertising 
and promotion shall be coordinated with the Ad Standards Council (ADS). 
 
b) Mandatory Responsible Gaming Messages: All advertisements and promotions for 
online gambling shall prominently display clear and concise messages about responsible 
gaming, the risks of gambling addiction, and contact information for support services.  
 
c) Restriction on Endorsements: The use of celebrities, influencers, or public figures 
who appeal primarily to a youth audience to endorse or promote online gambling shall be 
prohibited. 
 
 
SECTION 8. Rehabilitation and Support Programs.  
 
a) Establishment of Support Programs: The Department of Health (DOH), in 
coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and local 
government units (LGUs), shall establish and implement comprehensive programs for the 
prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of gambling addiction, particularly among the youth.  
 
b) Funding for Programs: A percentage of the revenues collected from licensed online 
gambling operations, as determined by PAGCOR, shall be allocated to fund these rehabilitation 
and support programs.  


 
c) Awareness Campaigns: The DOH and DepEd shall conduct nationwide awareness 
campaigns on the dangers of online gambling and gambling addiction, particularly targeting 
schools and communities. 
 
SECTION 9. Penalties.  
 
a) For Online Gambling Operators:  
 
i. 
Any online gambling operator found in violation of Section 4(a) 
(Allowing Minors to Gamble) or Section 4(b) (Operating Without a 
License) shall suffer the penalty of imprisonment of not less than three 
(3) years but not more than ten (10) years, or a fine of not less than Fifty 
Thousand Pesos (PhP 50,000.00) but not more than Five Hundred Pesos 
(PhP 500,000.00), or both, and immediate revocation of license, if any.  
 
ii. 
ii. For subsequent offenses, the penalty shall be imprisonment of not less 
than five (5) years but not more than 15 years, or a fine of not less than 
One Hundred Thousand Pesos (PhP 100,000.00) but not more than Five 
Hundred Thousand Pesos (PhP 500,000.00), or both, and permanent 
disqualification from operating any gambling activity in the Philippines.  
 
b) For Persons Aiding and Abetting Minor Involvement: Any person found in violation 
of Section 4(c) shall suffer the penalty of imprisonment of not less than 2 years but not more 
than 6 years, or a fine of not less than Ten Thousand Pesos (PhP 10,000.00) but not more than 
One Hundred Pesos (PhP), or both. 
 
c) For Minors Misrepresenting Age: Any minor found in violation of Section 4(d) shall 
be subject to intervention programs by the DSWD, and their parents/guardians shall be required 
to attend counseling sessions. Repeated offenses may lead to further appropriate legal action 
under existing laws concerning minors.  
 
d) For Unlicensed Promotion/Advertising: Any person or entity found in violation of 
Section 4(e) shall suffer the penalty of imprisonment of not less than two years but not more 
than five years, or a fine of not less than One Hundred Thousand Pesos (PhP 100,000.00) but 
not more than Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (PhP500,000.00), or both, at the discretion of the 
court.  
 
e) For Facilitating Unlicensed Operations: Any financial institution, payment gateway, 
or internet service provider found in violation of Section 4(f) shall suffer a fine of not less than 
Ten Thousand Pesos (PhP 10,000.00) but not more than One Hundred Thousand Pesos (PhP 
100,000.00) for each instance of violation, without prejudice to other penalties under existing 
laws.  
 
f) Corporate Liability: If the offender is a corporation, partnership, or any other juridical 
entity, the penalty shall be imposed upon the president, general manager, managing partner, or 
the officer-in-charge of the operation. 
 
 
 


SECTION 10. Enforcement. - PAGCOR, in coordination with the PNP, NBI, DICT, and NTC, 
shall be the primary government agencies responsible for the strict implementation and 
enforcement of this Act. They shall have the authority to conduct investigations, make arrests, 
and file appropriate charges against violators. 
 
SECTION 11. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). Within ninety (90) days from the 
effectivity of this Act, PAGCOR, in consultation with the DOH, DSWD, DepEd, DICT, NTC, 
PNP, and NBI, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective 
implementation of this Act. 
 
SECTION 12. Separability Clause. If any provision or part of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining parts or provisions not affected thereby shall remain 
in full force and effect. 
 
SECTION 13. Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees, executive orders, proclamations, rules, 
and regulations, or parts thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby 
repealed or modified accordingly. 
 
SECTION 14. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete 
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
 
Approved,