After POGO issue

MANILA, Philippines —  The government should implement stricter rules on gambling advertisements amid the continued hot issue of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), according to high-impact research firm Capstone-Intel Corp.

Capstone-Intel said there is a need to regulate advertisements on gambling just like how it is done on smoking promotions.

Capstone CEO and former head of the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission Nicasio Conti said the government should acknowledge the pervasive harm brought by gambling, thus, the need to prevent all its advertisements.

“The evidence is clear: gambling, like smoking, poses significant risks to our society,” Conti said in a statement.

“By regulating gambling advertisements, we can take a critical step toward protecting our citizens, preserving family structures and maintaining social order,” he said.

Similar to smoking, gambling leads to addiction that can impact individuals and families and is linked to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, Conti also said.

The Capstone head, likewise, warned of economic losses from gambling including debt and bankruptcy.

“The economic fallout extends to increased social services and law enforcement costs due to gambling-related crimes,” Conti said.

Capstone argued that there is a need for comprehensive regulations on gambling advertisements to mitigate various harms.