Catholic Church Advocates Total Ban on Online Gambling in Philippines

The Catholic Church in the Philippines has reaffirmed its position advocating for a total ban on online gambling, emphasizing the detrimental social consequences that outweigh the potential financial benefits. Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), articulated this stance during the 11th Philippine Conference on New Evangelization held in Manila on July 21, 2025. He highlighted concerns over the addictive nature of online gambling, particularly among youth, and criticized government arguments that economic gains justify its continuation.

In his address, Cardinal David responded to a letter from Alejandro Tengco, Chair of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), which defended the revenue generated from online gambling—over ₱100 billion annually, according to Pagcor's official reports (Pagcor, 2023). David countered that the social costs, including addiction and family breakdowns, far exceed these financial returns. He provocatively compared the logic of maintaining online gambling for revenue to legalizing other harmful substances, suggesting that such rationalizations are morally indefensible.

The CBCP has been vocal about the adverse impacts of gambling, characterizing it as a 'modern-day slavery' that devastates families and communities. In a pastoral letter issued on July 7, 2025, the bishops called for stringent measures to outlaw all forms of online gambling, urging the government to enhance oversight of digital financial transactions that facilitate gambling activities.

Despite the Church's firm stance, the Philippine government remains ambivalent. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has yet to publicly declare an official position on the online gambling issue, although Malacañang has indicated that it is reviewing the broader implications of a potential ban. This indecision comes amidst growing scrutiny from various sectors, including lawmakers who have filed bills aimed at regulating or prohibiting online gambling, citing its harmful effects on vulnerable populations.

Moreover, Fintech Alliance Philippines, which includes major digital payment platforms like GCash and Maya, is reportedly implementing stringent measures to ensure responsible access to online gaming. GCash announced tighter regulations on online gambling promotions as of July 16, 2025, to comply with evolving legal standards. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has also proposed enhanced regulations including limitations on fund transfers for online gambling activities.

Critics argue that simply imposing restrictions will not suffice to curb the accessibility of online gambling platforms, especially among tech-savvy youth. Cardinal David expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of current regulatory measures, stating, 'Do you really believe that you can control digital natives from the way they access any application online?'

The CBCP's campaign against online gambling is part of a broader effort to address various social issues, including illegal drugs and online gaming operators, which the Church sees as interconnected societal challenges. As discussions continue, the implications of this ongoing debate will likely shape the future landscape of gambling regulation in the Philippines, as well as the Church's role in advocating for social justice and ethical governance.

In summary, the Catholic Church in the Philippines is steadfast in its opposition to online gambling, framing the issue as not just an economic concern but a profound moral crisis that affects society at large. With the government's review ongoing and pressure mounting from various advocacy groups, the future of online gambling in the country hangs in the balance.