Former Philippine President Anti-Corruption Commission member and current CEO of Capstone Intel, Nicasio Conti, recently warned that online gambling has become a "silent plague" that is quietly eroding Philippine society. He called on authorities to not only crack down on illegal online gambling but also to focus on the pervasive "online gambling ads."
Conti pointed out that many online gambling ads disguise their real dangers with glamorous packaging, beautifying gambling as a form of entertainment, which is actually spreading addictive behavior silently, leading to numerous family breakdowns and youth addiction. "The harm of these ads is no less than that of drugs; they quietly destroy families and the next generation."
Although the Philippine government has recently shut down over 7,000 illegal gambling websites, gambling companies continue to change domain names and platforms, actively operating online. Conti candidly said, "We block one site, they change a shell; the ads are still pervasive, and this battle is never-ending."
What worries him more is that the ad content is being precisely targeted at the most vulnerable groups—those in financial distress, teenagers, and the elderly. He pointed out that online gambling operates 24 hours a day, making it easy to become addicted, and the continuous bombardment of ads makes the public subtly accept and even get used to gambling. "As long as the ads are uncontrolled, the public's consciousness will be repeatedly brainwashed."
In addition to addiction issues, Conti also revealed the financial risks behind online gambling: large amounts of money transactions flow through e-wallets, online banks, and other platforms, which appear legal but hide risks of money laundering and fraud. "This gray money flow covers the tracks of crime, making regulation increasingly difficult."
He suggested that the Philippines should learn from the experience of European and American countries and establish stricter regulatory systems, especially in terms of advertising. Specific measures should include: reviewing ad content, restricting distribution channels, setting up an advertising blacklist, and clearly defining the bottom line from a legislative perspective. "We can no longer let interests override the rule of law, nor can we let families pay for these illegal industries."
"We cannot wait until the next generation is deeply mired before we regret," Conti emphasized, "Now is the time to draw the line."
