Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 483)
The main objective is to penalize betting, game-fixing, point-shaving, and other machinations in sports contests to protect the morality of society and promote desirable moral and cultural values.
Betting is defined as wagering money or any object or article of value or representative of value upon the result of any game, race, or other sports contest.
Game-fixing is any arrangement, scheme, or agreement by which the result of a game, race, or sports contest is predicted or known other than on the honest skill or ability of the players or participants.
Point-shaving is an arrangement to deliberately limit the skill or ability of any player or participant to make points or scores in order to influence the result in favor of one team or participant.
Sports like basketball, volleyball, softball, baseball, chess, boxing, jai alai, sipa, pelota, and all other sports contests, games, or races are covered.
No, betting on sports contests is declared unlawful except when authorized by law.
Officials like promoters, referees, coaches, managers, or players shall face prision correccional in its maximum period and a fine of P2,000 with subsidiary imprisonment if insolvent.
They face the same prison and fine penalties plus disqualification from public office for life and possible deportation if alien.
Such persons shall not be arrested, detained, or prosecuted without prior written clearance from the President of the Philippines or the Secretary of National Defense.
It took effect immediately upon its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.