3rd District Congressman Javi Benitez on Online Gambling

Congressman Javi Benitez issued a statement through his social media page re Online Gambling:

Right now, over 40,000 Filipino workers depend directly on regulated online gambling platforms. These are real people with real families, relying on these jobs for food, education, healthcare, and a better life.

Moreover, regulated online gambling generates more than ₱200 billion every year. That money doesn’t vanish, it goes directly into hospitals, schools, infrastructure projects, community programs, and social services that improve our daily lives. In fact, DigiPlus alone reported paying ₱33.7 billion in taxes, funding critical public services.

History has proven repeatedly that prohibition simply doesn’t work. Remember alcohol prohibition? Illegal liquor flourished, crime surged, and consumers were left unprotected. The same happened here with jueteng, banning it never stopped it; it just made illegal gambling bosses rich, corrupted authorities, and exploited vulnerable citizens.

Legal, regulated platforms keep gambling transparent and accountable. They verify ages to protect minors, ensure games are fair, prevent exploitation, and help spot and support people struggling with gambling addiction early, something impossible with underground operators.

Globally, successful examples like the UK, Sweden, and Denmark demonstrate that regulation, carefully managed and responsibly implemented, works far better than outright bans.
I fully support stricter regulations. Smarter, tighter controls to protect citizens and maximize public benefit. But outright bans only make matters worse.

The reality is simple: Gambling is here to stay. The only question is whether we want it safely regulated and benefiting our communities or dangerously unregulated and controlled by criminals.

Let’s be smart. Let’s protect Filipino jobs, fund essential services, and keep our people safe.*