Some lawmakers want limit on linking online gambling sites and e-wallets

The move aims to protect Filipinos from gambling apps that have been alarmingly concerning.

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Limiting links to online gaming and e-wallets

Several members of the House are working on a draft measure that will limit the use of e-wallets on online gambling, hoping to put more attention on this in the 20th Congress.

According to a report by PhilStar, Bukidnon, 2nd District Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores expressed concern about the growing accessibility of e-wallets in gambling apps. This, in return, pushes poor Filipinos to gamble their hard-earned money to gain more despite the high risk.

E-wallets should not serve as easy gateways to gambling apps. Their platforms are being used, whether they admit it or not, as channels of addiction, Flores said.

He clarified that he is not against e-wallets, but he suspects the platforms are earning from these online casinos and betting apps every time they’re promoted, or with the built-in links in e-wallet apps themselves.

The lawmaker is urging e-wallet firms to at least remove the links to gambling apps and sites from their platforms.

Marami na rin pamilya nasisira because of online gambling. So ang ayaw ko lang talaga, if we make it more accessible for people to bet and to load, parang we’re feeding the addiction eh, Flores said.

The lawmaker said the proposed bill will focus on imposing stricter regulations and safeguards on digital financial services, not a complete ban on the use of e-wallets in gambling apps.

Payment platforms must not be complicit. Their convenience should never come at the cost of Filipino lives, Flores said.

Manila, 2nd District Rep. Rolando Valeriano, however, wants the government to revoke any administrative orders or regulations that permit online gambling. He also wants relevant authorities to cancel the licenses of online gambling operators.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas should also prohibit any electronic payment systems and e-wallets from being online gambling tools and conduits, he said.

Valeriano also said that gambling should only be done in places regulated by the government.

What do you guys think?

Via: PhilStar