Vico Sotto, the mayor of Pasig City in the Philippines, announced the closure of online casinos in response to corruption allegations and suspicions of human trafficking. Mayor Sotto emphasized that the social costs associated with gambling far outweigh its financial benefits. Consequently, several Philippine operators have lost their licenses, and access to electronic gaming and bingo sites has been blocked.
Mayor Sotto stated that gambling has brought more harm than good to society, pointing to cases of addiction, suicides, and human trafficking associated with gambling activities. He also highlighted instances where bribes were offered to authorities for permit approvals and issuance related to gambling operations, citing corruption as a symbol of the city's gambling landscape.
Despite efforts by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to prevent the implementation of the decision, the court rejected the initiative. The Pasig government continues with its plan to close down the remaining 18 electronic gaming and bingo operators. The gaming corporation has filed an appeal in response.
