Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI
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Manila (Agenzia Fides) – In the gambling addiction treatment centers run by Caritas, Catholic organizations, and communities in the Philippines, the number of cases of online gambling addiction is increasing, a trend fueled by the boom in betting apps on cell phones and mobile devices. The Philippine Church has described this as “a deepening crisis in the country” and is sounding the alarm about a social and cultural scourge that is destroying the lives of young people and entire families.The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (Pagcor), the public concessionaire that operates gambling in the Philippines, announced that it recorded a net profit of 84.97 billion pesos in 2024. About half of this amount came from the “remarkable performance” of electronic games and electronic bingo.A 2023 Capstone-Intel survey found that online gambling participation in the country is high among both young and middle-aged people. According to the survey, 66 percent of young Filipinos between the ages of 18 and 24 gamble online, and 57 percent of respondents between the ages of 41 and 55 reported regular online gambling, averaging two to three times per week. Seven out of 10 respondents reported spending about 1,000 pesos per week (equivalent to twice a worker’s daily salary) on online betting, while about 20 percent bet up to 3,000 pesos.Meanwhile, in light of “alarming data,” two members of the European Parliament have submitted a motion calling for an investigation into online gambling, particularly with regard to illegal operators. The lawmakers introduced the resolution to Parliament on July 9, calling for an investigation into the social consequences of the phenomenon, ranging from financial losses and mental health problems to contact with criminal networks often run by illegal offshore gambling operators that facilitate crimes such as money laundering.Online gambling is widespread among both wealthy and low-income households, and even among the unemployed. “Low-income groups are particularly hard hit, and there is a risk of entrenching poverty. Meanwhile, online gambling has serious social impacts, including deteriorating mental health, family conflicts, and suicide attempts,” the lawmakers said. “Users often resort to loans and digital wallets to finance gambling, which contributes to the exacerbation of cycles of debt and increasing family conflict,” the resolution states.The bishops of the Philippines also recently addressed this issue in a message at the conclusion of their plenary assembly. They lament the phenomenon and point with concern to “the moral and social crisis caused by online gambling.” They call it “a new plague or virus that destroys individuals, families, and society” and causes an addiction that spreads “silently, like widespread slavery.” “We don’t realize it, but it’s rampant: many, including young people, are becoming addicted to online gambling,” the bishops said in their message.”It is clear,” the bishops continued, “that online gambling is no longer a simple pastime. It is a profound and widespread moral problem hidden under the guise of entertainment and technology.” It “is by no means innocent, but deliberately attractive, especially to young people and ordinary citizens. Online access is easy, winning is quick, and losing is just as quick.” What users don’t know, however, is that “this system was designed to draw people into the web of gambling addiction.”Gambling is nothing new in the Philippines, and there have always been legal and illegal forms of betting. However, thanks to digital technology, the phenomenon has changed its profile: thanks to smartphones, gambling has become accessible to everyone 24/7. One click on any online account or electronic wallet is enough to lose all the money deposited in an instant.”In gambling,” the bishops say, “conscience seems to be gradually being lost. We are conditioned to think that it is just normal entertainment or fun, or that there is nothing wrong with it.” Yet the Catechism of the Catholic Church is clear on this issue: ‘… Gambling becomes morally unacceptable when it deprives someone of what is necessary to provide for his needs and those of others’ (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2413).The bishops also lament the silence of the media, the government, and the business community: “Could it be because many of them profit from it?” they ask. Entrepreneurs in the world of communications have set up online gaming platforms that exceeded 154 billion pesos in revenue in 2024 alone, an increase of almost 165% over the previous year.The Church is concerned about those who have fallen into the gambling net and “live in shame, fear, and despair.” Many turn to church institutions for help, saying: “My salary always runs out…” “I lied to my family again…” “Our family is ruined because of gambling…” “I don’t know how to stop…”The bishops note: “It is no longer a problem for individuals. It is a public health crisis in our society, just like drugs, alcohol, and other types of addiction.” It destroys not only the individual but also their family.”In light of this phenomenon, “we cannot afford to remain silent, because the spread of gambling and addiction among many people is like a deadly plague or pandemic that destroys the lives of individuals, families, and society as a whole.”The bishops ask: “What will the future of the country look like if young people are easily attracted to online gambling because there are virtually no restrictions? What will happen if we say that young people need a good education and that citizens have jobs, but gambling is rampant?”The Church’s position is clear: “Taking advantage of the weakness of others just to make money is a sin. The spread of gambling, especially among young and poor people, is a major scandal. As a society—government, businesses, schools, and churches—we must not be blind, deaf, and mute to the harm it causes.”Therefore, the Bishops’ Conference calls on institutions to “declare any form of online gambling illegal and recognize that gambling addiction is a public health problem that should be addressed with appropriate education, legislation, and treatment.” Alternatively, the government is urged to introduce appropriate controls on online payment systems “so that they do not become easy access to online gambling sites, in order to protect our young people.”Parishes and all Catholic communities are urged “to help individuals and families affected by gambling and not to remain silent or passive.””We invite every conscientious person to consider the good of the nation, society, young people, and their souls. The Church is not against any form of entertainment or leisure activity. But when pleasure becomes slavery and entertainment becomes a cause of the destruction of life, we must cry out and warn,” the bishops said.”We want to remind everyone,” the bishops’ message concludes, “that we can escape slavery through honorable work, by continuing to walk the path of truth, goodness, justice, and, above all, the grace of God. Jesus did not come to judge, but to save.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 12/7/2025)
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