Despite the Philippine government's explicit ban, illegal online gambling advertisements continue to ravage the nation, with Viber group messages and mobile text messages becoming the main channels of dissemination, causing widespread concern.
Recently, many users have received advertisements from a commercial account named "MG News" on Viber, promoting betting balances ranging from 300 to 30,000 pesos. Clicking on the link redirects to a website called "Casino Espinho," which claims to be registered in the UK and Malta. These advertisements typically lure users with small bonuses but require the provision of sensitive personal information to claim rewards.
SMS scams are also rampant. Numerous users have received texts signed "TELBONUS," which do not display a phone number and are suspected of using IMSI catcher technology to hijack signals, bypassing telecom filters. The messages offer 3,000 pesos in cash or gambling funds, but also require registration and submission of personal data.
Ronald Gustilo, founder of the digital rights organization Digital Pinoys, stated that they have established a reporting platform to facilitate anonymous reporting of illegal websites, endorsers, and advertisements. Reported information will be compared with the PAGCOR license list, and platforms not on the list will be handed over to the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) for processing.
Gustilo warned: "All those who profit from illegal online gambling, including internet celebrities, celebrities, and related websites, as well as communication platforms that allow the spread of advertisements, will be held accountable."
