PAOCC looking into origin, networks of illegal online gambling

MANILA — The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission said it is looking into the origins and connections of illegal online gambling in the country.

This amid the intensified crackdown against illegal online gaming sites and the ongoing debate whether to impose taxes, strictly regulate or ban online gambling due to its social costs.

Gatchalian wants stiffer regulations for online gambling

PAOCC Executive Director Gilbert Cruz said they are now coordinating with various government agencies and studying the links of illegal online gambling.

He said they are looking into whether there are cases of abusive practices or harassment similar to those in online lending or money laundering similar to the now banned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations.  

“Ang naging task namin is to study, nagre-research muna kami doon po sa mga online gambling na 'yan. Ano ba ang koneksyon niyan? Ano ba ang intention ng pagtatayo niyan? Saan ba naka-connect ‘yan?” Cruz stated in a forum in Quezon City Sunday, June 13.

(Our task is to study, to research on online gambling. How are they connected? What is the intention of those who put these up?)

“Tapos kung ‘yan ay ginawa parang online lending na may kasamang harassment dapat matanggal ‘yan,” he added.

(And if that is like online lending, where there is harassment involved, it should be banned)

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The PAOCC official noted that they will submit the results of their study to lawmakers amid a total ban proposal.