Law Summary
Definition and Scope of Illegal Gambling
- Illegal gambling involves participation in betting games not authorized or licensed by lawful government agencies.
- Applies regardless of whether winning depends on chance, skill, or both.
- Includes games where wagers are money, valuable articles, or representative of value.
- Gambling activities conducted beyond the licensing authority’s territorial jurisdiction are illegal.
Specific Provisions on Online Gambling
- Licensed online gambling operators cannot allow individuals physically outside the licensing jurisdiction to participate in betting.
- Operators may permit participation of persons physically outside Philippine territory.
- Operation licenses for online gambling are non-transferable, non-assignable, non-shareable, and cannot be leased or sold.
- Operators seeking to operate outside the licensing authority’s jurisdiction must obtain separate licenses.
Oversight and Inter-Agency Coordination
- Office of the President, via authorized representatives, oversees implementation of the order.
- Authorized representatives coordinate with relevant agencies to recommend further rules and directives against illegal gambling.
- Agencies including PAGCOR, CEZA, AFAB, APECO, BIR, BI, BOC, AMLC, DILG, DICT, and PEZA mandated to cooperate fully.
Reporting Requirements
- PAGCOR, CEZA, AFAB, APECO, and similar regulators to submit progress reports on illegal gambling suppression every six months to the Office of the President.
- Coordination with law enforcement in reporting is required.
Funding for Implementation
- Funding sourced from available appropriations in the 2017 General Appropriations Act.
- Future funding to be included in regular agency budgets following applicable rules.
Repeal of Conflicting Issuances
- Revokes or modifies all prior executive orders, rules, or regulations inconsistent with this order.
Separability Clause
- Invalidity or unconstitutionality of any provision does not affect the validity of other provisions.
Effectivity
- Order is effective immediately upon publication in a newspaper of general circulation.