Philippine cardinal expresses concern about increasing accessibility of gambling
Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David said inland online gaming poses “an even greater threat” than offshore operators.
The Philippines.- Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David has expressed concern about the increasing availability of online gambling in the country and warned it could lead to a rise in gambling harm. During his homily at the Chrism Mass at San Roque Cathedral on Maundy Thursday, April 17, David said: “Before, you had to go to a casino. Now, the casino is in your pocket. And it will empty your pockets.”
According to Philstar, he said that, although offshore gaming operators are being phased out, Philippine inland gaming operators (PIGOs), pose an “even greater threat.”
In March, senate president Francis G. Escudero called for a cost-benefit analysis to ascertain whether licences granted to PIGOs should continue. He suggested that the operators, which are licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), may have a negative impact on many Filipinos.
In response, Claire Castro, undersecretary of the presidential communications office, said the government was conducting studies to evaluate the effects of PIGOs and that president Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. might impose a ban on PIGOs if they are found to be causing issues similar to those that led to the shutdown of offshore gaming operators.
However, Castro also highlighted that PIGOs contribute to the Philippine economy through tax revenues and marketing expenditures.
