Philippine Senate to lead inquiry into online gaming impact
The inquiry aims to assess the impact of online gaming on citizens.
Key points:
– The Philippine Senate is to lead an inquiry into the effects of online gaming on citizens
– Committee Chair Sen. Erwin Tulfo wants a full ban on online gaming, stating the nation “was not ready” for its impact
– President Marcos is establishing a conclave of various bodies to discuss the issue
The siege against online gaming in the Philippines continues as the Senate committee on games and amusement set in motion an inquiry into online gaming in the nation, to assess the negative impact of online gaming on citizens.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has said he will create a multisectoral consultation – or conclave – to look into the issue, which will include religious figures among others. Indeed, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has previously spoken of its demands to see online gaming banned.
It also follows the formation of the PlaySafe Alliance, which brought together 19 licensed operators in the nation with the goal of tackling illegal gambling. It also follows the implementation of new payment rules to limit online gaming spend.
On the inquiry, Committee Chair Sen. Erwin Tulfo said: “On Thursday, we will start discussing the bills on online gambling. I made a commitment to prioritise these measures because our problem concerning online gambling is getting worse. This is already a crisis.”
Tulfo went on to explain that a lack of regulation led to unsafe gaming conditions, leading to addiction. He added: “You have to weigh: you have your earnings, but you also have a lot of social ills. People are getting addicted to gambling. What’s more important, money or the future of the youth?”
Alongside targeting online gaming, stricter regulations are also being placed in the Philippines regarding gaming advertising, with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the Ad Standards Council (ASC) signing a Memorandum of Understanding to promote responsible gaming.
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