The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Illegal online gambling activities in the Philippines plunged by 93 percent from the second to the third quarter of 2025, according to the latest report from cybersecurity and analytics firms Gogolook and Whoscall.
In an interview on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon over PTV, Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) Acting Executive Director Aboy Paraiso credited the steep decline to the strong collaboration among government agencies, law enforcement units, legislators, and private sector partners.
“Foreigners are now afraid to invest in illegal online gambling because our country’s regulations are very strict,” Paraiso said.
He lauded the coordinated efforts of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) led by Chairperson and CEO Alejandro Tengco, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) under General Manager Mel Robles, the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).
Paraiso said reports received by Gogolook on illegal gambling have significantly decreased, signaling sustained progress in the fight against cyber-enabled crimes. “Hopefully, we can maintain the momentum. Tuluy-tuloy naman iyong ginagawa natin, and maganda ang coordination with the other government agencies in this fight,” he said.
To further strengthen the country’s cyber defense, Paraiso also announced an agreement with Camp John Hay to establish a **digital forensics training center** in Baguio City. The facility will develop specialized training modules and equip analysts with the skills to examine digital evidence.
“We will train personnel from the PNP-ACG, NBI Cybercrime Group, and possibly from the DOJ Office of Cybercrime,” he said, emphasizing the government’s commitment to building technical expertise in combating online criminal activities.