OPINION | Exploitation of Desperation

Getting the relief of earning something of value due to chance is quite relieving, isn’t it—knowing that you won out of all the odds? Along with advertisements for local and international products and services, billboards and pop-up ads are now promoting online gambling. These eye-catching and invasive promotional media could go so far as to infect the minds of the innocent, as falling into the rabbit hole of gambling is now one mere click away.

Through 2025, online gambling gaming has attracted over 30 million Filipinos and generated ₱250 billion yearly, according to an article published by Pinoy OFW. But how did it gain its popularity? Through its accessibility, online gambling has become widely available to the public; with almost little to no obstacles, one may just enter with a device and internet connection. Advertising for online gambling also allows younger audiences to be exposed to gambling due to them not being age-restricted, allowing them to be normalized in the minds of the young ones. Families, communities, and the media all contribute to the normality of gambling in addition to the overbearing commercials.

Online gambling was declared legal in the Philippines in 2016 under the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation's (PAGCOR) license and regulation. In an article published by Money News PH, revenues from authorized online gambling operators are taking advantage of the profits of industry participants, in an estimated $8 billion annually, which is undermining regulatory regulations, according to the Senate joint committee hearing on August 14, 2025. In reality, the operators capitalize on money from the game, not the player, who perceives they are benefiting from it.

‘Scoring big’ seems to be a dream to those who are in financial ruin as it seems like an easy way to gain, but it doesn’t always seem that way. OTR: Beyond Borders uploaded a documentary titled GAMBLING: THE HIDDEN ADDICTION KILLING A NATION, which featured interviews with people who had been ensnared in the world of online gambling. One person said, “I fell into depression and anxiety, to the point na… Nag attempt actually ako ng mag suicide. I attempted to kill myself twice.” After a minor victory, our brains release dopamine, which causes them to crave the feeling more and more, which can result in preoccupation and addiction to the sensation of winning. Their minds are so infected with the false hope of wealth that they further fall into financial instability.

Gambling has an impact on the gambler as well as on their relationships with loved ones. They have to deal with more arguments the further they push themselves to the brink of financial ruin. The more they resist those who attempt to help them overcome their addiction, the more they cling to it. There is a rift between the individual and their families as a result of the financial losses.

Change may be difficult, but we must accept it, and recovery is difficult, but it is possible. In addition to support groups, there are recovery centers specifically designed to treat gambling addiction spread throughout the Philippines. The laws governing gambling itself should also be stricter; they need to address the issue of gambling being promoted to the point of normalization. Strict oversight of the game authorizers is also necessary to prevent them from abusing the money that players invest in the game.

The growing prevalence and impact of online gambling in the Philippines, noting factors contributing to its popularity include easy accessibility, pervasive advertising, and societal normalization. While legalized and regulated by PAGCOR, online gambling has severe consequences, leading to financial ruin, depression, anxiety, and damaged family relationships due to addiction. The article calls for stricter regulations and enhanced support for those struggling with gambling addiction.

Walang gamot ang adiksyon, ito ay maiiwasan lamang. Tandaan:

𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗲

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