The Philippines is targeting the issue of illegal gambling by examining the role influencers play in promoting unlicensed services to locals. According to the Philippines’ Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), this is a prominent issue. To combat it, the CICC is intensifying efforts to limit the influence of these promoters and hold them accountable for endorsing illegal gambling.
This initiative involves multiple agencies, including the advocacy group Digital Pinoys. CICC and Digital Pinoys plan to provide information about influencers to the Philippine National Police–Anti-Cybercrime Group, which will then launch a formal investigation into the suspects and possibly initiate legal proceedings.
The CICC stated: “The latest endorsements affirm the government’s commitment to hold accountable not just illegal operators, but also individuals and entities who knowingly promote or enable these schemes online. Endorsement of these cases by the CICC signifies that evidence has been collected against the promoters, and that their case-buildup affirms that sufficient grounds exist for prosecution.”
Formal investigations are necessary before any action can be taken. Influencer marketing is a key strategy for many online casinos, despite the questionable legality of such practices. Many online personalities choose this promotional activity due to the strong financial incentives to attract customers to iGaming platforms.
Currently, CICC is gathering information about influencers suspected of facilitating online gambling and is collaborating with Digital Pinoys to ensure these individuals are investigated by the appropriate authorities and held accountable for potentially violating the Philippines’ gambling laws.
- SCCG Management. The Gambling Industry’s Global Connector. Access Here.
- Source: SCCGManagement.com