Gambling is Everywhere

Gambling has captured the Philppines attention with it being one of the top gambling countries in Asia. With gambling’s strong online presence, Filipino children are now in risk of indulging in such activities.

In the Philippines, we have a “pakikisama” culture (living together harmoniously, usually with friends and family) which highly encourages friends to gamble together.

Surely, you have seen friends and family bond over video games with gachapon features like Genshin Impact, or see others buy mystery/blind boxes like Sonny Angels (which are, by the way, the top gambling activities the Filipino youth indulge in along with gachapon, digital gachapon and online video games).

With a culture so engrained in gambling, you would think Filipino youths today are more aware of it. Unfortunately, kids ages 10-12 & 14-19 are now more exposed to gambling due to encouragement of their environment and peers. Biological factors such as lack of brain development play a heavy role in their active participation.

For Filipinos, swerte (luck) makes players believe in a chance to win something they gamble on. Added to the feeling of thrill, the recipe for blind chance is a touch of excitement and a dash of satisfaction for winning. Filipino youths see this as their form of entertainment, as well as a method to earn more cash.

On a scale of right or wrong, gambling evens it out depending on the player. Filipino youths see such prizes/integrated gambling/limited edition products not just as a form of entertainment, but as a bonding activity with their friends and family.

However, in the middle of the heavy visuals and eye-appealing packages, the risk of addiction and loss of self-control have led some kids astray.

With a heavy influence on their psyche and biological manner, Filipino youths perceive gambling as something positive. However, the risk of getting addicted is still high with easier access to direct or indirect types of gambling.

A start to better moderation in gambling includes proper education on its history and current impact in the Philippines, growing awareness of its risks just as much as its pleasures, and a helping hand to those who have gone too deep.

Aw, Dang It!