Let's Go Gambling !

Gambling is a form of entertainment where people use their wits to bet on their luck and take their chances! Types of gambling activities include poker, lottery tickets, horse racing, sports betting, online betting and more.

Gambling in the Philippines goes back a long way, dating back to the pre-colonial period (Indigenous tribes) and colonial periods (Spanish, Chinese, and American occupations). Indigenous tribes already viewed gambling activities as entertainment. This was only reinforced by the Spanish introducing card games and the Americans bringing in horse-racing.

In this day and age, gambling has taken the Philippines by storm with the emergence of mystery/blind boxes, gachapon, and online gambling advertisements. This popularity stems from online gambling having grown rapidly during the Pandemic, making the Philippines one out of the 20 countries in Asia the biggest gambling country.

Despite the gambling glory here, of course it still has its consequences. 4% of the Philippine population is addicted to gambling, since it is a non substance addiction, turning it into a vice. Severe consequences include restlessness, impulsiveness and irritability.

Aside from that, during the State of the Nation 2024 (SONA 2024), President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a ban on all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) within the country. There have been identified POGO operations that have illicit crimes such as money laundering, human trafficking, torture and more horrific crimes.

A drawback of such popularity are consequences that have been proven serious. 4% of the Philippine population is addicted to gambling, turning the entertainment-filled activity to a malignant vice.

During the State of the Nation 2024 (SONA 2024), President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a ban on all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) within the country. His reasons being the ongoing illicit crimes in several operations like money laundering, human trafficking, torture and more.

With a vast and consequential history, Philippine Gambling Culture is often not talked about. Gambling has given Filipinos the thrill of chance and prospect, despite its deadly consequences when not treaded in moderation.

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