Study: 55% of Filipino online gamblers unaware of legal risks on unregulated sites

Many Filipino online gambling players are unaware of the legal risks tied to unregulated platforms, leaving them vulnerable to financial losses, privacy breaches, and other hazards, a new study by sociocultural research firm The Fourth Wall has revealed.

According to the research, 55% of players admitted to being unaware of the legal implications, while another 33% said they had only limited knowledge. Only 12% said the rules were clear, highlighting a significant information gap that affects trust and decision-making.

“Our study reveals confidence, fairness, and profitability matter more than platform features such as betting limits or affiliate programmes. This explains why players, despite the uncertainty and uneasiness, continue to engage with these platforms as long as they perceive a chance to win,” said John Brylle Bae, research director at The Fourth Wall.

Don't miss: Why Filipino brands should treat Threads as a social sandbox

The study surveyed hundreds of players from urban areas in Mega Manila, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao who have experience with unregulated platforms. It found that 39% of players were sceptical about platform fairness, compared with 27% who felt confident, while 28% remained neutral.

The research also showed that players on unregulated platforms tend to play more frequently and bet higher amounts, with 41% playing two to three times a week, and nearly a third playing four or more times weekly. Bets typically ranged from 100 pesos (US$1.7) to 499 pesos (US$8.7), occasionally reaching 1,000 pesos (US$17). High-risk behaviour often leads to financial losses, with 41% of respondents stopping play primarily due to losing money.

Most players fall between 26 and 45 years old, belong to lower-income brackets, and view gambling as casual leisure. The study categorised players as “high-stakes losers” (44%), “perceived winners” (28%), “casual break-even players” (17%), and “regulated converts” (11%).

Despite the risks, players cited unregulated platforms for faster transactions, convenient payments, wider game variety, and frequent promotions, while trust and reputation play a lesser role. Crucially, 65% did not recall seeing fairness certifications, over 90% reported minimal verification, and 80% noted no betting limits - unlike regulated platforms.

“Trust, not legality, drives player behaviour, and highlights how building confidence can shape their choices. Therefore, policy could focus on shaping conditions such as payment channels, verification systems, or advertising practices that make safer options more accessible and attractive rather than targeting players. Clearer communication around protections, transparency, and user rights may encourage them to prefer regulated environments,” Bae emphasised.

Online gambling in the Philippines has shifted after the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) ordered eWallets to remove in-app links to gambling sites, aiming to protect consumers and curb addiction. Major providers GCash and Maya complied, but operators are moving to encrypted messaging apps, eCommerce platforms, and voucher systems to maintain access.

While PAGCOR reports a 50% decline in online gambling transactions, research by The Fourth Wall shows a user migration: regulated platforms lost 70% of users, while unregulated sites gained 40%. Trust in familiar payment methods and age verification makes unregulated sites appear safe to players.

The Philippines has also been cracking down on visible gambling ads, with PAGCOR ordering the removal of billboards and transport ads, reflecting growing concern over the social impact of gambling. While the move curtails out-of-home exposure, digital platforms, e-wallets, and social media remain major avenues for promotion. Industry stakeholders, regulators, and lawmakers are debating stricter rules versus outright bans, balancing economic interests, consumer protection, and the ethical responsibility of advertising in shaping public behaviour.

Related articles:
Gambling ad billboards are coming down in the Philippines, but the real fight remains online
The Stop Gambling Foundation strikes back against online gambling with 'Tit for Tat' campaign
Philippines faces 'big threat' as Thailand moves to legalise casinos