Health chief supports ban on online gambling

Metro Manila, Philippines - Calls to ban online gambling got one support from a Cabinet official — the health secretary.

“Addiction to gambling is a mental health problem” since it is habit-forming and behavioral, Sec. Ted Herbosa told reporters on Wednesday, July 16.

“It’s still a health issue kung hindi ka na makatrabaho… So, ako tatanungin, strictly regulate or, if possible, i-ban na totally,” he said.

[Translation: It’s still a health issue if you can no longer work… If I were to be asked, strictly regulate, or, if possible, totally ban it.]

Herbosa said people and families get addicted to online gambling since it is “very accessible.”

“Pag open mo lang ang cellphone mo, may gambling na kaagad. Open ka ng social media mo, may gambling advertisement,” he said.

[Translation: When you open your cellphone, you can gamble right away. When you open social media, there are gambling advertisements.]

A number of lawmakers have filed bills seeking to regulate or ban online gambling.

Catholic bishops have called on the government to consider online gambling addiction as a “public health issue” and sought more regulatory mechanisms.

The Palace press officer said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is open to seriously studying the anti-gambling proposals.