Philippines online gaming industry warns 50,000 jobs at risk if total ban imposed

The operators of online gambling platforms in the Philippines claim that more than 50,000 jobs could be lost if the government imposes a total ban on the industry, according to information published by local media outlet Philippine Star.

Industry representatives have also reiterated concerns that a ban on legal operations would do little more than spark a surge in black market gaming sites.

Data cited by the Philippine Star points to more than 50,000 direct and indirect jobs being supported by the Philippines’ domestic online gaming, or eGames, sector, which has shown massive growth since regulator PAGCOR implemented a legal framework during the COVID-19 pandemic and reduced fees for licensed operators. Those jobs, the report, states, cover everything from IT, customer service, compliance, game development and marketing.