MANILA, Philippines — Unregulated online gambling platforms in the Philippines continue to attract players through aggressive promotions and broader game options, but the risks of high losses, scams, and lack of legal protection remain pronounced, a study showed.
Filipino-focused sociocultural research firm The Fourth Wall revealed that unregulated sites attract users with larger game libraries, aggressive promotions, and more flexible payment channels.
“Players say they choose unregulated platforms mainly for greater game variety, more frequent promotions, faster transactions, and convenient payment options,” the study said.
“Factors such as trust, reputation, or customer service appear to play a smaller role in their decision-making,” it added.
Almost all respondents recalled being exposed to promotional offers, with 52 percent saying they encountered three or more promos monthly.
Many of these incentives—such as welcome bonuses, free spins, and cashback rebates—were designed to attract new players rather than retain existing ones.
Verification safeguards were found to be almost absent, with over 90 percent of respondents saying they were able to register with little to no checks, exposing underage and vulnerable groups to gambling access.
About 80 percent reported no betting limits, with e-wallets like GCash were said to be used by 72 percent of players. Only 22 percent and 3.0 percent used Maya and GoTyme, respectively.
Aggressive promos in unregulated online gambling platforms draw Filipinos — study, This news data comes from:http://www.gangzhifhm.com
“Trust, not legality, drives player behavior, and highlights how building confidence can shape their choices,” Fourth Wall Research Director John Brylle Bae said.
Aggressive promos in unregulated online gambling platforms draw Filipinos — study
“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,” he added.
- Tensions soar in Indonesia as protests over police brutality and lawmakers' allowances continue
- Lacson: DPWH exec sought ‘insertions’
- DMW: 19 distressed OFWs return home from Jeddah
- London arms show opens under Israel cloud
- Israel says to act with 'great force' in Gaza City
- President Marcos Jr. visits Cambodia to strengthen ties
- International media protest over journalist deaths in Gaza
- Sotto files bill to amend party-list system
- Maryland resident is diagnosed with New World screwworm. What to know about the parasite
- Housing secretary declares 'zero-tolerance' policy on corruption
