A survey of over 1,000 Filipinos who currently use online gambling platforms has found that safety and legitimacy is their number one concern, with most preferring to play on regulated sites.
Filipino-focused sociocultural research firm The Fourth Wall, which conducted the study, said it surveyed over 1,000 current online players from urbanized areas across Mega Manila, Metro Cebu, Metro Davao and key cities in other growth centers nationwide. A majority of those had migrated from informal or unregulated street gambling or social media environments with only 7% describing themselves as land-based casino players.
Aimed at analyzing the behaviors, motivations and perceptions of Filipino online gamblers, particularly those using regulated platforms, the survey found that safety and legitimacy are top priorities for players, who said they look for platforms that are legitimate in order to avoid scams and emphasized the need for trustworthy platforms and effective regulation to guard against cheating and illegal gambling.
The study also highlighted a strong preference for access to regulated online gambling with safeguards over outright prohibition. It found that 53% of respondents oppose a ban on regulated online gambling, while only 18% support it. Another 16% agree with a ban but with reservations, however 75% said a ban would not stop online gambling and would instead drive people toward illegal sites, social media betting and unregulated foreign platforms.
“Our study reveals greater preference for safer and regulated platforms among Filipino online gambling players,” said John Brylle L. Bae, Research Director at The Fourth Wall.
“There is an understanding among them that an outright ban won’t stop online gambling, but instead push it underground, increasing risks like scams and addiction through unregulated channels. This suggests their call for regulation is rooted in safer options and better consumer protection.”
Of those surveyed, 36% of respondents described themselves as “break-even optimists” who believe they break even, gamble moderately and don’t borrow funds, while 12% said they were “risky borrowing high-frequency bettors’ – individuals with a high borrowing rate and relatively frequent gambling, placing them at risk of financial strain.
The study also looked at players’ perceptions of government regulation. About 73% of those surveyed said regulation from institutions such as PAGCOR matters. In particular, 61% believed PAGCOR is doing its job, while 34% remain unsure, citing limited understanding of the agency’s full responsibilities.
In terms of funding the sites on which they play, 92% said they prefer using GCash, followed by Maya at 6%.
“The study is not about promoting or going against gambling but about recognizing both the cultural realities and regulatory responsibilities at hand with the ultimate aim of protecting people,” said Bae.
“As online gambling continues to rise in the country, there must be a shift toward more data-driven, research-informed dialogue towards regulation and policymaking.”
The full report is available at www.fourthwallglobal.com/phonlinegambling.
