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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

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House ri no._1559

Introduced by Representative WALFREDO R. DIMAGUILA, JR.

AN ACT PROHIBITING ONLINE GAMBLING
IN THE PHILIPPINES AND PROVIDING PENALTIES THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In recent years, the proliferation of online gambling platforms in the Philippines
has surged at an alarming rate. Enabled by widespread internet access, the ubiquity
of smartphones, and the seamless integration of mobile payment systems, online
gambling has become a deeply entrenched activity across all segments of society—
regardless of age, economic status, or geography.

However, this rapid growth has come at a grave social cost. Unlike regulated
land-based casinos with physical security, age checks, and controlled access, online
gambling thrives in an unregulated and largely anonymous digital space. Minors are
now frequently exposed to and participating in gambling through mobile apps, social
media advertisements, and digital wallets. Families have fallen into debt due to
impulsive betting, with breadwinners losing entire livelihoods in a matter of hours.
Mental health professionals now report a rise in cases of gambling-related anxiety,
depression, and even suicide ideation.


Furthermore, studies and anecdotal evidence have shown that the addictive
nature of online gambling is far more severe than traditional forms. It allows
continuous, round-the-clock engagement with no physical barriers, no accountability,
and a constant feedback loop that fuels addiction. Worse, many online gambling
platforms operate under the guise of legality through offshore licenses or front
corporations, evading taxation and regulatory scrutiny.

In Filipino communities, the damage is tangible. Barangay officials have
reported an increase in cases of youths stealing family money to place bets. Schools
have identified students engaging in online cockfights or casino games during class
hours. Parents are left powerless against platforms that exploit behavioral triggers and
psychological vulnerabilities.

This bill seeks to put an end to these societal harms by completely
prohibiting online gambling in the Philippines, regardless of licensing status or
corporate affiliation. The measure will not only restore order and protect the nation’s
moral fiber but also allow the government to refocus its energies on education,
employment, and economic recovery in the post-pandemic era.

The urgent passage of this bill is a moral and social imperative.



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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 1559

Introduced by Representative WALFREDO R. DIMAGUILA, JR.

AN ACT PROHIBITING ONLINE GAMBLING
IN THE PHILIPPINES AND PROVIDING PENALTIES THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the "Online Gambling
Prohibition Act of 2025."

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is the policy of the State to promote the
moral, psychological, and economic well-being of its citizens. In view of the increasing
and pervasive harm caused by online gambling—particularly among youth and low-
income families—the State shall prohibit all forms of online gambling activities,
advertisements, operations, and financial facilitation in the interest of public welfare.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act:


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Online Gambling refers to any gambling activity—induding
betting, gaming, or wagering on games of chance or skill—
conducted through the internet, mobile applications, or any other
digital platform.

Operator refers to any person, natural or juridical, including
corporations, partnerships, or other entities, that facilitates,
manages, provides infrastructure for, or profits from online
gambling services either directly or indirectly.

Advertisement refers to any form of communication, publication,
or broadcast—whether visual, audio, print, or digital—that
Promotes, markets, sponsors, or otherwise induces participation
in online gambling.

Digital Financial Service Provider refers to mobile wallets,
Payment gateways, financial technology companies, and digital
or electronic banking platforms that facilitate deposits, transfers,
or withdrawals related to online gambling.

Whistleblower refers to any individual who voluntarily provides
truthful, credible, and original information regarding a violation
of this Act, which leads to a successful investigation or
prosecution.

Responsible Officers refer to directors, trustees, partners,
managers, and other individuals in positions of authority in a
juridical entity who had actual knowledge of, participated in, or
failed to prevent the commission of any act prohibited under this
Act.

Player refers to any person who participates in online gambling
activities by directly engaging in a game, match, or any other
gambling format whether through skill or chance.


(h) — ettor refers to any person who places money, stakes, or items
of value on the outcome of an event, game, or activity facilitated
through online gambling platforms, regardless of whether the
outcome depends on skill or chance. refers to directors, trustees,
partners, managers, and other individuals in positions of
authority in a juridical entity who had actual knowledge of,
participated in, or failed to prevent the commission of any act
prohibited under this Act.

SEC. 4. Prohibited Acts. — The following acts are hereby declared unlawful:

(a) Operating, maintaining, or offering online gambling platforms or
services within or accessible in the Philippines;

(b) Advertising, promoting, or marketing any online gambling service
through any media platform, including digital, print, and broadcast
channels;

(c) Facilitating payments, deposits, or withdrawals related to online
gambling through digital financial platforms;

(d) Participating in online gambling activities, whether as a player,
bettor, or facilitator.

SEC. 5. Penalties. —

(a) Any person found guilty of violating Section 4(a) shall suffer
imprisonment of up to twelve (12) years and a fine of up to Ten
Million Pesos (Php 10,000,000.00), or both, at the discretion of the
court.


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(b) Any media platform, publisher, or advertising entity that violates
Section 4(b) shall be fined not less than Two Million Pesos (Php
2,000,000.00) and face suspension of business operations.

(c) Any digital financial service provider that violates Section 4(c) shall
be subject to administrative sanctions by the Bangko Sentral ng
Pilipinas (BSP), including license revocation.

(d) Any individual who violates Section 4(d) shall undergo mandatory
rehabilitation and community service, without prejudice to other
penalties under existing laws.

(e) If the offender is a corporation, partnership, or juridical entity, the
penalty shall be imposed upon its responsible officers, directors,
or managing partners who knowingly authorized, allowed, or
tolerated the commission of the offense. In addition, the entity
may face:

(1) Revocation of its license to operate;

(2) Permanent ban from conducting business in the Philippines;

(3) Forfeiture of assets used in or derived from the prohibited
activity;

(4) Blacklisting from all government contracts and franchises.

The imposition of penalties under this section shall be without prejudice to the
civil, criminal, or administrative liability of the offender under other existing laws, rules,
or regulations.


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SEC. 6. Enforcement. — The Department of Justice (DOJ), National Bureau
of Investigation (NBI), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Department of
Information and Communications Technology (DICT) shall coordinate to identify,
block, and take down online gambling platforms. PAGCOR and BSP shall assist in
enforcing penalties and monitoring financial compliance.

To enhance enforcement and public cooperation, a confidential whistleblower
mechanism shall be established under the DOJ, enabling individuals to report
violations of this Act anonymously. Whistleblowers who provide substantial leads that
result in a conviction shal! be entitled to protective measures and may be granted
incentives pursuant to existing laws.

Digital platforms, telecommunications providers, and financial institutions shall
be required to report any suspicious gambling-related activity to the appropriate
authorities and cooperate in investigations as necessary. The Department of Justice
(03), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Philippine National Police (PNP), and
the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) shall
coordinate to identify, block, and take down online gambling platforms. PAGCOR and
BSP shall assist in enforcing penalties and monitoring financial compliance.

SEC. 7. Transition Period. — A\l existing online gambling operators shall wind
down operations within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act. Failure to do so
shall result in immediate criminal prosecution and forfeiture of assets.

SEC. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within sixty (60) days
from the effectivity of this Act, the DOJ, in coordination with DICT, BSP, PAGCOR, and
other relevant agencies, shall promulgate the necessary implementing rules and
regulations (IRR).

SEC. 9. Separability Clause. — If any provision of this Act is declared invalid
or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full
force and effect.


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SEC. 10. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, executive orders, and
regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 11. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

APPROVED.