As gambling continues to be a hot-button issue in the Philippines, a new
study reveals that players overwhelmingly support stronger regulation and consumer protection over outright prohibition—citing safety, legitimacy, and responsible use as key concerns.
This insight comes from sociocultural research firm The Fourth Wall, which conducted a comprehensive study on Filipino gambling behaviors, motivations, and perceptions. The firm surveyed over 1,000 active players across major urban centers including Mega Manila, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao.
According to the research, most players migrated from informal, unregulated spaces—highlighting a behavioral shift toward more structured and accountable environments.
Respondents were segmented into behavioral clusters based on risk appetite, financial habits, and mindset. Notably, 36% identify as “break-even optimists,” moderate participants who gamble within their means. Meanwhile, 12% fall under “risky borrowing high-frequency bettors,” a vulnerable group that faces higher exposure to financial stress. Encouragingly, 85% of players reported that they do not borrow money to participate.
The study found that the top reasons people began gambling were curiosity, social influence, and boredom—not incentives or financial perks—underscoring the activity’s recreational and cultural dimensions.
Safety emerged as a leading priority, with players emphasizing the need for legitimate platforms to avoid scams and fraudulent practices. While regulatory environments offer a layer of protection, frustrations persist around user experience—specifically delays in cash-outs, login errors, and system crashes, which erode trust even in regulated ecosystems.
A significant 53% of players surveyed oppose a blanket ban on regulated gambling, while only 18% support such a move. An additional 16% expressed conditional support for a ban, though with reservations. A striking 75% believe prohibition would simply drive the activity further underground—toward illegal circles or unregulated digital channels—where the risk of addiction, exploitation, and fraud runs higher.
Instead, 80% of respondents support banning unregulated gambling environments, citing the need to protect minors and economically vulnerable communities from harm.
"Our study reveals greater preference for safer and regulated platforms among Filipino online gambling players. There is an understanding among them that an outright ban won't stop online gambling, but instead push it underground, increasing risks like scams and addiction through unregulated channels. This suggests their call for regulation is rooted in safer options and better consumer protection,” John Brylle L. Bae, Research Director at The Fourth Wall, said.
Recent
reports back this up, with a 76% surge in scam-related incidents across informal betting setups—many of which exploit users through platforms like Facebook and other peer-to-peer channels.
The findings also reveal a nuanced view on government oversight. About 73% of respondents believe institutional regulation (such as through PAGCOR) is important. However, 34% remain unsure of the regulator’s full scope, pointing to a broader need for transparency and public awareness around consumer safeguards.
Behavioral shifts were also linked to macro-trends such as the pandemic, digital adoption, and lifestyle changes between 2022 and 2024, which accelerated gambling activity nationwide. Gross gaming revenues reached
PHP 410 billion in 2024, with projections indicating a potential rise to PHP 480 billion by the end of 2025.
Financial tools also play a crucial role in responsible play. Most participants use e-wallets, with GCash and Maya leading the pack. Of those using digital wallets, 73% trust the platforms’ identity verification features, and 64% say these tools help them self-monitor and spend within their limits.
"The study is not about promoting or going against gambling, but about recognizing both the cultural realities and regulatory responsibilities at hand with the ultimate aim of protecting people. As online gambling continues to rise in the country, there must be a shift toward more data-driven, research-informed dialogue towards regulation and policymaking," Bae emphasized.
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