Former Philippine Anti-Corruption Commissioner Urges Total Ban on Online Gambling Ads, Calls it a "Silent Social Plague"

Atty. Nicasio Conti, former Commissioner of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission and now an intelligence agency head, has strongly called for a comprehensive ban on online gambling advertisements. He stated that online gambling is evolving into a "silent social plague" and urged the government to confront its societal harms.

Conti, who held a key position during the Arroyo administration, pointed out that online gambling operates 24/7, targets economically vulnerable groups, masks addiction risks under the guise of entertainment, and glamorizes gambling through extensive advertising – ultimately undermining family and social structures.

He emphasized that current gambling regulations are inadequate to address the "digital gambling challenges" posed by new payment methods like e-wallets and online banking. Conti advocated for treating gambling as a public interest issue due to its intertwined impacts on mental health, poverty, and corruption.

His statement comes amidst a major government crackdown on illegal online gambling platforms. Data shows authorities have recently blocked over 7,000 unlicensed websites, most utilizing "Scatter" slot machine mechanisms that lure users deeper with free spins and bonus multipliers.

Conti proposed multi-agency legislation to establish defenses against debt traps, manipulative tactics, and excessive advertising. He warned that continued tolerance of the industry trades short-term profits for societal disintegration, demanding immediate reform.