What are Illegal forms of gambling in the Philippines?

Gambling in the Philippines is generally restricted by government laws. These includes Jueteng, Masiao, Video Karera , Bookies of Karera, Small Town Lotter (STL) (last two), and underground cockfighting.

Other forms of illegal gambling would include hantak, bingo, tong-its, pusoy dos, online gaming with money bet, funfairs without permits, and other numbers game.

However, mahjong is allowed as long as it is “for fun and entertainment with just only one table,” but it is considered as gambling if there is betting involved and becomes a source of income.

Illegal Gambling Crackdown

Under the Executive Order no.13 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on February 2, 2017, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) are two main agencies mandated to crackdown illegal gambling operation in the country.

The executive order also contained the directives of the President for concern agencies such as Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to cooperate with PNP and NBI in fighting illegal gambling.

The EO added that gambling operators must be banned to access their online portal to play or bet while outside the country.

The public is urge to look out for people who would be involved in illegal gambling and report them immediately to the nearest police office.

People who would be arrested for illegal gambling will be charged for violation of Republic Act 9287 or the act increasing the penalties for illegal numbers, games, which amended certain provisions of residential Decree 1602.

Source: Davao Edge