Cop turned solon files bill to regulate online gambling

MANILA, Philippines - A partylist legislator has proposed a measure that would regulate online gambling as it has become accessible to minors.

ACT- CIS partylist Rep. Samuel Pagdilao said House Bill 4540 seeks to monitor Internet gambling and protect minors from the pernicious effects of gambling.

The introduction of the Internet has had a great impact on the ways people could participate in gambling, according to Pagdilao.

“People are no longer bound to physical locations and are able to face their bets from within their own homes,” Pagdilao said.

The bill also provides the penalty of imprisonment from five years to 10 years or a fine ranging from P5 million to P10 million or both shall be imposed upon any licensee or employee of an online gaming firm who allows a person under 18 years of age to open, maintain or use an Internet gaming account.

Under the measure, a licensee refers to the duly licensed holder of an Internet Gaming Certificate authorized by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (board) to conduct Internet gaming.

Internet gaming, on the other hand, is defined as the placing of bets or wagers with licensee located in this jurisdiction using a computer network through which a licensee may offer authorized Internet games to individuals who have registered and established an Internet gaming account with the licensee.

A penalty of imprisonment from 5 years to 10 years or a fine of P100,000 or both shall be imposed upon any parent, guardian who induces minors to commit any of the offenses punishable under the proposed Act.