Ilang Pinoy, aminadong nalulong sa online sugal | Unang Balita

GMA Integrated News

23 May 202407:53

Summary

TLDRThe World Health Organization recognizes gambling disorder as a public health concern in the Philippines. The script highlights the struggles of two individuals, Lichelle and Idoy, who have lost significant amounts of money to online gambling. It discusses the rise in online gambling, with PAGCOR reporting a 41.7% increase in Q1 of 2024. Despite efforts to regulate and monitor, including a requirement for players to provide information, underage gambling persists. The script also mentions legislative attempts to ban online gambling and the challenges of enforcing these laws. It concludes with the individuals seeking help to overcome their addiction, emphasizing the need for support and recovery programs.

Takeaways

🎰 The World Health Organization recognizes gambling disorder as a public health concern in the Philippines.
📱 Online gambling, particularly through mobile games like card games and slot machines, is increasingly popular.
💸 Many individuals, like Lichelle, have lost large sums of money due to online gambling, with some incurring massive debts.
💔 Gambling addiction can strain relationships and lead to neglect of responsibilities, as experienced by Lichelle and her family.
😔 Idoy, another gambling addict, admits to losing over a million pesos since September of last year.
📊 PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation) reported a 41.7% increase in revenue in the first quarter of this year, primarily from electronic games like e-bingo and e-casino.
🎮 Only two licensed e-game platforms in the country have been approved by PAGCOR, yet many unlicensed platforms continue to operate.
👮 The PNP and PAGCOR face challenges monitoring illegal online gambling, as many platforms operate from other countries.
🚫 There are legislative proposals in both the Senate and the House of Representatives to ban online gambling or restrict ads promoting it.
🙏 Lichelle and Idoy both expressed a desire to quit gambling, with Lichelle seeking help through prayer and support groups.

Q & A

What is the World Health Organization's stance on gambling disorder?
-The World Health Organization recognizes gambling disorder as a disease and a public health concern, having included it in the International Statistical Classification of Diseases since 1975.
What is the impact of online gambling on individuals like Lichelle?
-Online gambling has led individuals like Lichelle to lose significant amounts of money, affecting their livelihood and personal relationships, and in some cases, leading to debt and near-divorce.
How much money has Lichelle lost to online gambling?
-Lichelle has lost 1.5 million pesos to online gambling, which is her entire earnings as an online seller.
What is the situation with Idoy, another individual mentioned in the script?
-Idoy has also been addicted to online gambling, losing over a million pesos since September of the previous year.
What is the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation's (PAGCOR) role in monitoring gambling?
-PAGCOR is responsible for overseeing gambling activities in the country and has noted an increase in online gambling. They require licensing for all online gambling sites and are responsible for ensuring that players provide their information.
What percentage of PAGCOR's revenue comes from electronic games?
-In the first quarter of the current year, electronic games or online gambling activities accounted for 41.7% of PAGCOR's revenue.
What is the expected trend for e-game revenue according to PAGCOR?
-PAGCOR anticipates that in the coming years, a larger percentage of their revenue will come from the e-game sector, especially after the pandemic when many people sought online entertainment.
What is the legal requirement for online gambling sites in the Philippines?
-Online gambling sites must obtain a license from PAGCOR, and players are required to provide their information. Strict regulations prohibit minors, government officials, and former officials from gambling.
What challenges does the Philippine National Police (PNP) face in monitoring online gambling?
-The PNP faces challenges in monitoring unlicensed online gambling sites, as many operate from other countries, making it difficult to enforce laws and regulations.
What legislative actions are being taken to address online gambling in the Philippines?
-There are proposed bills in the Senate and House of Representatives aiming to ban online gambling in the country. There are also resolutions in Congress seeking to curb the spread of online gambling and protect minors.
What steps are Lichelle and Idoy taking to overcome their gambling addiction?
-Lichelle and Idoy have decided to stop gambling and are seeking help through prayer and support from recovery programs and coaches.

Outlines

00:00

🎰 Online Gambling Addiction in the Philippines

The World Health Organization recognizes gambling disorder as a public health concern in the Philippines. Many have fallen into the trap of online gambling, leading to financial and personal ruin. The story of Lichelle, a 26-year-old, exemplifies this issue. Initially, she enjoyed the thrill of winning small amounts, but her habit escalated to the point of losing over 1.5 million pesos, her entire income from being an online seller. Her addiction led to debt, and almost caused her marriage to end. Idoy, another victim, lost over a million pesos in just a few months. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) reports a significant rise in online gambling revenue, with electronic games being the largest contributors. PAGCOR requires licenses for all online casinos and games, but the problem of underage gambling persists. There is an increase in the number of people seeking help from support groups and recovery coaches, indicating the severity of the issue.

05:01

🚨 Challenges in Regulating Online Gambling

Regulating online gambling in the Philippines is a complex issue. Unlicensed gambling sites operate from other countries, making it difficult for authorities to monitor and shut them down. The Philippine National Police (PNP) and PAGCOR are working on their own monitoring systems, but the challenge remains. There are legislative efforts in the Senate and House of Representatives to ban online gambling and to stop the promotion of such activities. The problem is not only financial; it also affects the mental health of individuals and families. The story of Lichelle and Idoy highlights their struggle to overcome addiction and the importance of support groups and recovery programs. The narrative ends with a call for awareness and the need for more comprehensive solutions to combat the spread of online gambling, especially among minors.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Gambling Disorder

Gambling disorder is recognized by the World Health Organization as a medical condition and public health concern. In the video, it refers to the compulsive behavior of individuals like Lichelle and Idoy, who gamble excessively and cannot control their urges. This disorder can lead to severe financial, emotional, and relational issues, as seen in the lives of the people mentioned.

💡Online Gambling

Online gambling involves participating in betting or gambling activities through internet platforms. In the script, it is highlighted as a rising issue in the Philippines, with individuals increasingly accessing games like e-bingo, electronic casinos, and card games via their phones. The video points out the convenience and anonymity of online gambling, making it more accessible to a broader audience, including minors.

💡Dopamine

Dopamine is a chemical in the brain associated with pleasure and reward. In the video, Idoy explains how the sensation of winning in online gambling releases dopamine, creating a temporary 'high' that makes people want to continue gambling. This illustrates how gambling can become addictive by providing momentary pleasure, which gamblers seek repeatedly.

💡Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR)

PAGCOR is the government body responsible for regulating gambling activities in the Philippines. According to the video, the organization monitors and grants licenses to legal gambling platforms, including online casinos. However, a major issue highlighted is that many online gambling sites operate without a PAGCOR license, making regulation difficult.

💡Illegal Lending Apps

Illegal lending apps are unregulated platforms that offer quick loans, often with high interest rates and exploitative terms. The video references these apps in the context of Idoy, who turns to such apps out of desperation to fund his gambling addiction. The use of these apps exemplifies the financial spiral many gamblers face when they need to borrow money to continue betting.

💡Minors and Gambling

The video highlights the concerning trend of minors participating in online gambling. Despite regulations prohibiting underage individuals from gambling, the ease of access to online platforms has made it difficult to enforce these rules. This situation is particularly alarming as it exposes younger audiences to addictive behaviors at an early age.

💡Pandemic Impact on Gambling

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in online gambling. With traditional entertainment venues and physical casinos closed, many individuals turned to online platforms for leisure. PAGCOR notes that their revenues from e-games surged during the pandemic, illustrating how the global health crisis has indirectly fueled the growth of gambling activities.

💡Financial Consequences

The video emphasizes the severe financial consequences that individuals face due to gambling addiction. Both Lichelle and Idoy have lost significant amounts of money, with Lichelle accumulating over 1.5 million pesos in losses. This highlights how gambling disorder can lead to financial ruin, debt, and strain on personal relationships.

💡Addiction Recovery Programs

Recovery programs for gambling addiction are services aimed at helping individuals manage and overcome their compulsive gambling behavior. In the video, it is mentioned that there are support groups and recovery coaches available to assist gamblers in quitting. These programs are essential in preventing relapse and providing a pathway to recovery.

💡Government Response to Gambling

The government is actively addressing the issue of online gambling through proposed legislation and monitoring efforts. The video references Senate and House proposals aimed at banning online gambling ads and implementing stricter regulations. This response highlights the growing concern over the widespread effects of gambling in society and the need for stronger interventions.

Highlights

Gambling disorder is recognized as a public health concern in the Philippines.

Many have tried and been helped by the free will to stop gambling.

A 26-year-old woman named Lichelle has been gambling online since morning till night.

Lichelle started with card games and slot machines, and her gambling became an addiction.

She experienced the thrill of winning 500 pesos but also the chase of losses up to 10,000 pesos.

Lichelle has been gambling for four years and has lost 1.5 million pesos.

She has also fallen into debt and nearly faced a divorce due to her gambling.

A 26-year-old man named Idoy also admitted to being addicted to online gambling, losing over a million pesos.

Idoy described the high of gambling as a dopamine rush.

Despite winning large amounts, Idoy also lost everything when his salary arrived.

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) monitors the increase in online gambling.

In the first quarter of the current year, electronic games contributed 41.7% of PAGCOR's income.

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco expects e-gaming to contribute a larger percentage of the agency's income in the coming years.

To operate an online casino or e-game in the Philippines, a license from PAGCOR is required.

There is a problem with two e-games having licenses from PAGCOR, while many online gambling sites operate without licenses.

Players are required to provide their information, but minors, government officials, and former soldiers are strictly prohibited.

It is impossible to monitor unlicensed online gambling, making it difficult to enforce laws.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) also monitors the issue, but many online gambling operations are based in other countries.

There are proposed bills in the Senate and House of Representatives to ban online gambling in the country.

Lichelle and Idoy have realized the negative impact of their addiction and have decided to stop gambling.

They have sought help from support groups and recovery coaches to overcome their addiction.