“For all of its benefits, the internet has a dark side; it makes gambling accessible to those who are most susceptible to the addictive power of gambling: the young, the weak, the poor, and the uneducated.”
This was the stern warning given by Deputy Speaker and Manila 6th District Rep. Benny Abante Jr., who in a privilege speech urged the House to take steps to properly regulate online modes of gambling such as online sabong, e-bingo, and virtual casinos.
The anti-gambling champion said that aside from luring minors into this vice, online gambling victimizes Filipino families and even overseas Filipino workers.
The lawmaker explained that the internet “offers ease of access and anonymity, and we should be concerned because our children are the most computer-literate segment of our society and can find these sites with ease.”
“Unfortunately, they are also the most vulnerable to gambling’s addictive powers.”
“Mr. Speaker, my dear colleagues, dahil online o digital currency ang gamit sa pagpusta sa online sabong, marami ang nalululong sa bisyong ito dahil isang pindot lang ang pagtaya,” lamented the solon.
An incensed Abante added, “ang masakit dito, kahit menor de edad ay nakakataya sa online sabong dahil hindi naman nakikita ng operators o ng PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation) kung sino sino ang tumataya. Because anyone with a cellular phone can place a bet. Our children; our grandchildren––kahit sino, Mr. Speaker!”
The anti-gambling champion said that aside from luring minors into this vice, online gambling victimizes Filipino families and even overseas Filipino workers.
Abante shared that “madami nang nabalita na mag-asawang naghiwalay dahil naadik sa talpakan o online sabong ang asawa. May mga seaman at OFWs na nagpakamatay dahil na addict sa online sabong at naubos ang naipon–– walang maiuwi sa pamilya,”
“The dangers of gambling are manifest, and that is why gambling is so heavily regulated in our country.”
“I believe,” said the House leader, “that legislation represents a measured and appropriate response to a demonstrated social evil that grows worse by the day… the dangers of gambling are manifest, and that is why gambling is so heavily regulated in our country.”
“Science has revealed that gambling is not a harmless vice or a victimless crime. According to scientific studies of the US National Academy of Sciences… pathological gamblers engage in destructive behaviors: they commit crimes, they run up large debts, they damage relationships with family and friends, and they kill themselves.”
“If online gambling such as e-sabong and e-bingo continue unregulated,” cautioned Abante, “these social evils will slowly creep into our homes and infect our family members like a new virus––a virus for which there is no vaccine.”