A new study from Filipino sociocultural research firm The Fourth Wall shows that many online gambling players in the Philippines are unaware of the risks tied to unregulated platforms, leaving them vulnerable to financial losses, privacy breaches, and underage exposure.
The study, published on Tuesday, revealed a clear knowledge gap among players. Over half of respondents (55%) admitted they had little understanding of the legal risks tied to unregulated platforms, while another 33% said they were somewhat aware. Only 12% felt the websites’ terms and conditions were clear.
During July’s study by the same agency that has been offering “research and analysis through the Filipino lens” since 2018, it was revealed that more than 50% of players were interested in playing at fully licensed and regulated sites.
Lack of Understanding Equals Mistrust
Without a proper understanding of the risks they are subject to, players cannot put their trust in these platforms. This was made clear by the new data that showed only 27% of participants were confident in the fairness of these sites, with 39% expressing skepticism about them. Another 28% remained neutral, further highlighting the uncertainty that surrounds these services.
Overall, 32% of players reported being undecided or neutral about their experience, and 27% admitted feeling more uneasy than confident.
The study surveyed hundreds of players from urban areas across Mega Manila, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao who have joined unregulated platforms. John Brylle L. Bae, director of The Fourth Wall, explained player behavior is shaped more by personal perceptions than platform features.
“Our study reveals confidence, fairness, and profitability matter more than platform features such as betting limits or affiliate programs,” he argued. “This explains why players, despite the uncertainty and uneasiness, continue to engage with these platforms as long as they perceive a chance to win.”
Frequent Players at Higher Stakes
The research revealed that players on unregulated sites gamble more frequently and at higher stakes, with 41% playing two to three times a week and nearly a third playing four or more times a week.
Bets typically range from PHP 100 ($1.74) to PHP 499 ($8.70), occasionally hitting PHP 1,000 ($17.43). High-risk habits often result in losses, with 41% citing financial losses as a reason for stopping.
Most players fall between 26 and 45 years old, come from lower-income brackets, and treat gambling as casual leisure. The study grouped participants into four categories: 44% “high-stakes losers,” 28% “perceived winners,” 17% “casual break-even players,” and 11%“regulated converts.”
Popular platforms include Bingo Plus for regulated sites (32%) and JiliBet for unregulated ones (28%). Players favor unregulated platforms for wider game variety, faster transactions, and frequent promotions, but rarely prioritize trust or reputation.
The study revealed significant safety gaps, including that 65% of players never saw any fairness certifications, over 90% joined after minimal verification, and 80% faced no betting limits.
“Trust, not legality, drives player behavior, and highlights how building confidence can shape their choices,” Bae said, adding that more transparent communication regarding “protections, transparency, and user rights” could stimulate players to opt for “regulated environments” instead.