Ilang Pinoy, aminadong nalulong sa online sugal | Unang Balita

Summary

The 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.