Philippine authorities have blocked access to more than 50,000 illegal casino sites as part of a stepped-up crackdown on unlicensed online betting and gaming activities.
The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordination Center (CICC) warns that unlicensed platforms continue to appear under new domains. During a recent Senate hearing, CICC officials revealed that 95-97% of these sites are operated from abroad, making it difficult to implement long-term shutdowns. Online payments, social media advertising, and 24/7 mobile access have contributed to their popularity, despite efforts to combat them.
CICC Executive Director Renato Paraiso told senators that most fraudulent platforms are located outside Philippine jurisdiction, allowing them to quickly re-establish themselves after lockdowns.
50,000 blocks of illegal sites do little to stem the tide when they return. These block lists encompass a wide range of operators, including unregistered sportsbooks, international casino sites, and social gaming platforms that have been modified to include wagering elements.
Paraison portrays cyber diplomats as bridge builders who synchronize with allies in their destruction. The treaty changes will focus on the cyber center, facilitating the exchange of evidence. CICC focuses on cyber diplomats to consolidate global networks against 95-97 percent of foreign websites. Digital payments and social accessibility keep illegal gaming at bay, but the proposals are conflicting.
Officials have suggested that future efforts could include tighter controls on payment flows and additional legal tools to prosecute operators that continue to target Filipino users.
