As the debate over online gambling resurfaces in the Philippines, recent steps taken by Brazil’s recently legalized market may hold valuable lessons. While Philippine lawmakers grow increasingly concerned about the effects of local online gambling platforms, Brazil is demonstrating how banning casinos doesn’t work, but regulating them will help create a more transparent environment for both players and the broader public.
Senate President Francis Escudero recently called for a closer look at Philippine Inland Gaming Operators (PIGOs), raising red flags about their impact on Filipino families. While the government has already moved to shut down offshore platforms over their link to criminal activity, Escudero believes that even local operators might be doing more harm than good—especially among the poor and the vulnerable.
He stressed the need to assess whether the income these platforms generate is worth the social cost, and asked agencies like PAGCOR to come forward with reliable data. For now, the conversation centers around protecting everyday people who may be turning to betting in moments of desperation.
While the Philippines considers tightening its grip, countries like Brazil are opening their doors — carefully. After years of unregulated activity, Brazil introduced a sweeping regulatory law that officially came into effect in 2025. The goal is simple: allow online gambling, but under rules that protect the user first.
Brazil’s new rules aren’t just about collecting taxes, but about building trust. In Brazil, a survey revealed that 92% of gamblers believe in having specific laws for the online gambling industry. And even though the new rules made registration harder — with facial recognition and stricter ID checks — interest in licensed platforms grew. People seemed to value security over shortcuts. Bettors now have access to platforms that are required by law to respect their limits. Tools like deposit caps, betting alerts, and self-assessment tests are now part of the user experience.
The system even checks if someone’s gambling habits match their income. It’s a bold but necessary step to prevent financial strain and potential addiction. In many cases, players are guided to seek help if their activity raises red flags.
Even before the regulation, a very popular bet in Brazil, provided several tools to help users maintain control over their habits. Players can set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits, which can be increased with a 24-hour delay or decreased immediately. They can also request self-exclusion for a minimum of one month by contacting customer support, temporarily blocking access to all gambling services.
Responsible gambling is now actively promoted across social media, empowering players to make informed decisions and verify the integrity of a bet before placing it. One of the most significant developments is that gambling no longer needs to happen in the shadows and players can now choose regulated platforms that uphold the law, safeguard personal data, and guarantee secure access to their winnings.
The situation in the Philippines may differ from Brazil’s, but the parallels are hard to ignore. Much like Brazil before its regulatory overhaul, Filipino bettors remain vulnerable to unregulated casinos that offer little in terms of consumer protection. Senate President Escudero’s warnings highlight genuine risks, but an outright ban may not be the only answer. Instead of shutting the door, policymakers might consider opening it carefully, guided by clear and enforceable rules.
Brazil’s recent experience illustrates how online gambling can evolve from an underground threat into a legitimate, well-regulated form of entertainment. As Philippine lawmakers weigh their options, the real question is not whether to allow gambling, but how to ensure it is done safely, transparently, and in the public’s best interest.