Pagcor to look into ‘Battle of the Youtubers’ online betting games
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) will look into online betting games linked to “Battle of the Youtubers” events where influencers match up in sports such as boxing and basketball.
During the deliberations on the proposed 2022 budget before the House committee on appropriations, Deputy Speaker Bienvenido Abante Jr. said that online betting games are involved in the holding of “Battle of the Youtubers” events — with bets reaching up to P2 million.
“Recently, may sumisikat na online betting na tinatawag Battle of the Youtubers, umaabot sa up to P2 million ang taya per event. Nagkakaroon sila ng once a week event for the past 6 months now,” Abante said.
“Dito po hindi mga manok ang mga nilalaban kung di mga Youtube influencers na karamihan ay mga kabataan through live bastketball and boxing matches,” he added.
Abante claimed that those who wish to bet shall register their mobile number and cash in before they can make their bets.
“Kailangan lang nila magpa register using their mobile number, after registering they need to cash in amount of P200, at a minimum bet para tumalpak ay P 100 at mananalo po sila. Then they withdraw,” Abante said.
Pagcor chairman Andrea Domingo said she was unaware of such events and that it should be reported before the National Bureau of Investigation, the Philippine National Police, and the Department of Information and Communications since these online betting events are not covered by the licenses they issue.
“Ako personally ngayon ko lang po nalaman and I appreciate you sharing it with us, so I am going to have somebody look into it very closely,” Domingo said.
