The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) said it has uncovered more than 1,000 illegal online gambling websites and over 100 influencers allegedly promoting them, raising alarms on the persistence of unlicensed gambling operations in the Philippines.
In its latest report, the CICC’s Threat Monitoring Center (TMC) identified 1,007 unauthorized gambling sites operating without accreditation from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor). At least 146 of these were linked to illegal online sabong, which remains banned by the government.
The report also highlighted the involvement of 119 influencers who have been found actively endorsing these gambling platforms through social media content, livestreams, and referral links.
Authorities said such activities not only drive unsuspecting bettors into illegal gambling but also create peer pressure within the influencer community, magnifying the reach of underground operators.
Digital Pinoys, a civil society partner of the CICC, said it had documented 627 gambling-related URLs from netizens and partner groups as of Sept. 29. Of these, 603 were confirmed illegal while several were “mirror sites” designed to bypass regulatory takedowns.
Investigators noted that many of the sites are hosted offshore, complicating efforts to hold operators accountable and underscoring the need for stronger coordination with international regulators.
Despite the challenges, the CICC reported that some influencers have cooperated with authorities by providing insider information about syndicates.
Digital Pinoys campaigner Ronald Gustilo added that the government’s July 11 ultimatum against illegal gambling had already prompted shifts in behavior.
“Big influencers have either pulled out or switched endorsements to legal platforms,” he said.
Several influencers also spoke out against the industry. Content creator Sachzna Laparan emphasized that illegal gambling “destroys lives,” while Big Boy Cheng urged the promotion of platforms with proper registration and Know-Your-Customer safeguards.
Authorities vowed to intensify the crackdown and continue engaging both platforms and influencers in dismantling illicit gambling operations.
In another development, the Commission on Appointments (CA) has confirmed the appointment of Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) secretary Henry Aguda.
In a statement, Aguda said he is committed to continuing the essential work already underway at the department.
“Walang humpay tayong magsusumikap upang maitayo ang isang digitally empowered at matatag na Pilipinas,” he said.
