Philippines shuts almost 9,000 illegal gambling websites
The Philippines has shut down 8,901 illegal online gambling websites in a sweeping crackdown that comes as lawmakers weigh a nationwide ban. The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) confirmed the figure on Wednesday, i.e., 13 August 2025, warning that the number of total websites is expected to rise.
“We are actively looking for these illegal gambling sites, these illegal scam sites,” said Renato “Aboy” Paraiso, the agency’s Deputy Executive Director, in an interview with state-run media PTV. Paraiso added that the CICC has strengthened co-ordination with other government agencies and will soon work with the Department of Migrant Workers to identify and block illegal online recruitment scams, which often overlap with gambling and fraud activities.
Key timing for announcement
The announcement coincided with fresh restrictions regarding online gambling. In parallel, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) issued a memorandum circular immediately banning its employees, those of attached agencies, elected local government officials, and all LGU workers from engaging in online gambling.
The DILG said reports had shown that many officials and employees were gambling online, a behaviour it warned was damaging the credibility of public service. Citing a 2016 presidential directive that prohibited the presence of government workers in casinos, the DILG said the growth of online gambling platforms now poses a similar, if not greater, ethical threat.
“Public office is a public trust. Engaging in online gambling undermines the credibility of our institutions and diverts public servants from their sworn duty to serve with integrity, competence, and loyalty,” the directive said. Violators will face administrative and criminal cases under relevant laws.
Senate starts inquiry on total ban
Meanwhile, the Philippine Senate is holding a public hearing to examine whether online gambling should be banned or more tightly regulated. The inquiry, led by Senator Erwin Tulfo, chair of the Senate Committee on Games and Amusements, will consolidate studies and recommendations from agencies including the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the Department of Finance, and the executive branch.
Tulfo said the session would focus on the social harms of gambling, particularly among young people. Parents, teachers, church leaders, and youth groups have been invited to testify. While PAGCOR and the Department of Finance favour stricter oversight and higher taxes instead of a total ban, Tulfo has pushed for prohibition, arguing that regulation could simply drive operators underground.
Several senators have filed bills to regulate or outlaw online gambling, including the Anti-Online Gambling Act by Senator Joel Villanueva, listed among the Senate’s top 10 priorities.
Furthermore, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has stated that he plans to convene a meeting with representatives from the Church, educators, parents, law enforcement, and addiction experts to address this issue. Though he emphasised that an outright ban is not always the best immediate solution.
This makes the dismantling of nearly 9,000 websites more notable as it shows both the scale of the problem and the determination of Philippine authorities to act against what they see as a growing national crisis.
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