Baguio execs want online gambling banned

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — A proposal to ban online gambling and tighten regulations on legal gaming operations has been approved on second reading by the Baguio City Council.

Once the measure becomes an ordinance, issuance and renewal of permits for online casinos, e-games, online sabong, e-bingo outlets, online poker, Philippine offshore gaming operators or POGOs, computer gaming stations and other similar establishments will not be allowed.

Existing businesses covered by the ban will be given one year from the date of the effectivity of the ordinance to close shop.

The measure also seeks to ban gambling advertisements such as billboards, LED screens, posters and transit ads, limiting promotional activities within the interiors of licensed gaming establishments.

Gambling firms will be barred from sponsoring educational, sports, cultural, religious, tourism and public events including barangay activities and the Panagbenga Festival once the proposal is passed.

To strengthen enforcement, the measure proposes the creation of a youth and family protection against gambling council, which will oversee barangay fund-raising games, act on public complaints, coordinate enforcement operations, set betting limits for licensed establishments and submit quarterly reports to the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

Violators will face fines of up to P5,000, imprisonment of up to one year or both as well as business closure.