Calls for Unified Crackdown Amid Rising Social and Financial Risks
Digital Gambling Ads Under Fire
Prominent lawyer and former anti-corruption commissioner Nicasio Conti is calling on the Philippine government to intensify its crackdown on illegal online gambling by targeting the aggressive advertising campaigns that normalize and glamorize gambling behavior. In a statement reported by Manila Bulletin, Conti emphasized that digital marketing strategies—especially on social media—are playing a central role in promoting gambling to a broad and often vulnerable audience.
Currently serving as Chief Executive of Capstone Intel Corporation, a security and intelligence firm, Conti argued that advertising must be treated as a core enabler of gambling proliferation, particularly through content creators who use comedic portrayals of gambling losses to increase engagement while downplaying risk.
A Systemic Problem Needing a Unified Solution
Conti warned that despite the government’s efforts to shut down more than 7,000 illegal gambling websites, rogue operators continue to adapt by migrating to new domains or utilizing social media to redirect traffic. He noted that the integration of e-wallets and online banking systems for gambling payments has made detection and law enforcement even more complicated, enabling transactions that blur the line between legitimate play and illicit operations.
More importantly, Conti raised concerns about money laundering vulnerabilities, where illicit operators could funnel criminal proceeds through legal financial infrastructure, further eroding public trust.
Policy Gaps and Global Comparisons
Conti urged Philippine lawmakers to take cues from stricter international models, such as the UK’s Gambling Act revisions and Italy’s complete ban on gambling ads, which aim to reduce harm by limiting exposure, especially among minors and economically at-risk groups.
“We need a national strategy that includes lawmakers, regulators, digital platforms, and payment service providers. This is not a one-agency fix. The goal should be public protection, not just revenue collection,” Conti emphasized.
He stressed the importance of a multi-agency framework that consolidates the efforts of PAGCOR, the National Telecommunications Commission, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and law enforcement bodies under a singular regulatory mandate.
The Path Forward
As online gambling continues to evolve, the Philippine government faces a pivotal decision: will it merely chase illegal operators from platform to platform, or will it enact structural reforms that include tighter advertising controls, financial monitoring, and public education?
With Conti’s appeal gaining media traction, pressure is mounting on policymakers to revisit the legal frameworks governing gambling promotion. As the industry increasingly turns to digital tools to expand its reach, failing to address advertising could undermine broader regulatory goals and further expose Filipino communities to the hidden harms of online gambling.
Conclusion
Nicasio Conti’s call for a total ban on online gambling ads highlights a critical blind spot in the Philippines’ fight against illicit betting. By connecting unchecked marketing to broader societal risks, his argument underscores the need for comprehensive, forward-looking reforms in a rapidly digitizing gambling environment.
