Philippines’ Marcos Says Online Gambling Ban to Stoke Illegal Operations

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By Andreo Calonzo

August 8, 2025 at 1:42 AM UTC

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said a total ban on online gambling platforms will lead to a proliferation of illicit operations which will be more difficult to eradicate.

“The first effect of banning it fully is to put it underground, and then we have no control,” Marcos said in an interview with GMA News released late Thursday.