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A recent survey has been conducted among online gamblers in the country, and many of them believe that an outright ban will not work. The Fourth Wall asked over 1,000 online gambling players across Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, and other urbanized areas. The sociocultural research firm noted that majority of them have migrated from informal or unregulated street gambling environments such as sabong and perya. The study showed that 75% of the respondents think a ban won&#x27;t stop online gambling altogether, and would instead <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/7/16/ban-on-online-gambling-may-just-drive-operators-underground-akbayan-1657">drive people toward illegal and unregulated platforms.</a>Over half (53%) of those surveyed opposed the ban on regulated online gambling, 18% supported it, and 16% agreed but with reservations. Eighty percent (80%) called for safeguards against unregulated online gambling platforms to prevent scams and <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/health-science/2025/7/16/addiction-to-online-gambling-a-mental-health-issue-doh-1507">addiction, especially among the youth and low-income groups.</a>&quot;Our study reveals greater preference for safer and regulated platforms among Filipino online gambling players. There is an understanding among them that an outright ban won&#x27;t stop online gambling, but instead push it underground, increasing risks like scams and addiction through unregulated channels,&quot; The Fourth Wall research director John Brylle Bae said in a statement. &quot;This suggests their call for regulation is rooted in safer options and better consumer protection,&quot; he added. The Fourth Wall noted a 76% surge in online gambling scams in unregulated platforms, with users targeted on social media, especially Facebook.Bae stressed that their study is not about promoting or going against gambling, but &quot;recognizing both the cultural realities and regulatory responsibilities at hand, with the <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/7/20/online-gambling-harming-filipino-families-says-marcos-jr-0637">ultimate aim of protecting people</a>.&quot; &quot;As online gambling continues to rise in the country, there must be a shift toward more data-driven, research-informed dialogue towards regulation and policymaking,&quot; he said.Other survey findings include: - Thirty-six percent (36%) of respondents are &quot;break-even optimists,&quot; or those who believe they break even, gamble moderately, and don&#x27;t borrow funds- Twelve percent (12%) of them are &quot;risky borrowing high-frequency bettors,&quot; or those with a high borrowing rate and relatively frequent gambling- Most of those surveyed (85%) do not borrow money for online betting- Top reasons for trying online gambling among respondents include curiosity, boredom, and peer influence- Safety and legitimacy are top priorities for the online gambling players in the survey, with their top concerns including delayed withdrawals, lost money, and app glitches- Majority of players surveyed (92%) prefer using GCash, followed by Maya (6%) and over-the-counter payment outlets (2%)

A recent survey has been conducted among online gamblers in the country, and many of them believe that an outright ban will not work.

A recent survey has been conducted among online gamblers in the country, and many of them believe that an outright ban will not work.

75% of Filipino online gamblers think outright ban won't work: survey

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75% of Filipino online gamblers think outright ban won't work: survey

ABS-CBN News

Published Jul 24, 2025 05:13 PM PHT

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