Arthur Fuentes

Citizens use their phones in Quezon City amid the modified enhanced community quarantine on August 16, 2020. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

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Smartphone users

Victoria Tulad

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) warned about unauthorized online gambling sites in different social media platforms, even those which are livestreamed.In a message on Thursday PAGCOR said, “The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) today warned the public against joining or patronizing gambling activities that are livestreamed in online platforms such as Facebook and other social media channels, saying they are likely illegal.”“The state gaming regulator said it does not authorize the livestreaming of any gaming activity on social media,” it added.According to PAGCOR, these illegal online gambling sites do not have responsible gaming mechanisms, do not protect players, and do not guarantee winnings.PAGCOR urged the public to check its website to ensure if an online gambling platform is licensed.The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) also warned about illegal online gambling sites promoted on social media which are out to scam people.“Minsan ho, parang kailangan muna nilang magdeposito para makapag-onboard doon sa gaming platform na yun. Tapos rigged ho yung mga laro… kunwari papanalunin ka sandali tapos magdedeposito ko ng maraming pera. Tapos rigged yung laro na pag ganito na yung pera mo, papatalo na nila. Scam na ho yun,” Assistant Secretary Renato Paraiso, Deputy Executive Director of CICC, said.There are also illegal online gambling sites that mimic government websites, such as that of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).“May gumaya ng URL address ng DTI,” Paraiso said. “It’s called lookalike domain. Ang ginagawa po nila mini-mimic nilia yung website lalong lalo na yung name malapit na malapit doon sa pangalan at saka pagkakalatag nung website ng government institution.”Aside from deceiving the public, these lookalike domains endanger the government by eroding the public’s trust, according to Paraiso.He assured that they block these websites and closely coordinate with PAGCOR.“Three weeks ago, may nine na tayo na pina-block. Ngayon meron akong pending na 150 sites na iniintay ang certification ng PAGCOR para ipa-block out ang mga sites na ito,” Paraiso mentioned.CICC admits it is difficult to go after illegal online gambling sites because many of these are operated from other countries such as Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Thailand.It has proposed using advanced technology to address the problem.“One of the things that nasa wish list ko is yung magkaroon ng capability at saka mga assets na makakapag-detect sa mga social media platforms natin using AI,” Paraiso said. “Pinanukala na ho natin ito sa DBM at sa tulong po ng DICT para ma-push hopefully sa 2026 budget natin.”Paraiso also reiterated his call for endorsers to not promote illegal online gambling “By next week hindi na ako mag-aapela, hindi na ako makikiusap. Magsisimula na akong mag-send out ng demand letters for the possibility and the filing of criminal actions against these individuals or influencers who are promoting online gambling. Kasabay na ho niyan yung pag-request sa mga social media platforms to take down not only the content but their channels,” Paraiso stated.On the call of some lawmakers to impose a total ban on online gambling, Paraiso said they will abide with what Congress decides.

Social media platforms are being used to livestream illegal gambling, PAGCOR warned.

Social media platforms are being used to livestream illegal gambling, PAGCOR warned.

Social media sites being used for illegal online gambling: PAGCOR

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Social media sites being used for illegal online gambling: PAGCOR

Victoria Tulad,

ABS-CBN News

Published July 10, 2025 08:36 PM PHT

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Updated July 10, 2025 08:44 PM PHT

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