DEPDev sees need to regulate, tax online gambling

MANILA, Philippines —  The government should tax online gambling given its social risks, and e-wallets may be the key to effectively capture these revenues, according to the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev).

Amid the rising popularity of online gambling in the country, Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan told reporters that there is a need to tax it.

“The reality is that it’s there, but you need to tax it. I think at the very least, you can tax [it],” he said.

He said online gambling should be treated the same way as cigarettes and sugar, which are being imposed with taxes.

“It’s becoming a concern. And the proliferation, I think, after the banning of POGO (Philippine offshore gaming operators) is concerning,” he said.

With e-wallets being used for online gaming, he said these “might be an appropriate vehicle for catching it in terms of taxes.”

While e-wallets may be used to collect revenues, he said there is a need to study if a law would be needed to effectively tax online gambling.

He said regulation has become a challenge given the evolving industry amid developments such as artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies.

Earlier, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said President Marcos is aware of the plight of Filipinos who have been addicted to online gambling and is open to taxing online gaming.

The Department of Finance said it is finalizing a proposal to impose an online gambling tax in the country.

Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri has also filed a bill seeking an outright ban on online gambling in the Philippines to address a “silent epidemic.”

Akbayan party-list is also pushing for the Kontra e-Sugal bill, which seeks to impose strict regulation and an age restriction of 21 and above for online gambling.

1Tahanan party-list Rep. Nathaniel Oducado filed House Resolution No. 42 urging the House to conduct an investigation “in aid of legislation” to curb its ill-effects, especially to minors.

“Online gambling is highly accessible and tempting, even to still minors and vulnerable demographics,” Oducado said. – Jose Rodel Clapano