Philippines government staff banned from online gambling

All employees of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), as well as those of affiliated agencies and local government representatives, are strictly prohibited from engaging in online gambling.

These people are not allowed to access or use any online gambling platform by Memorandum Circular 2025-082.

The order extends the current ban on casino gambling to the rapidly expanding online gambling industry and goes into effect immediately.

The 1987 Constitution, R.A. 6713, and earlier presidential decrees are cited by the DILG to bolster this action, highlighting the danger that internet gambling presents to the integrity of public service.

“Public office is a public trust”, stated the circular. “Engaging in online gambling undermines the credibility of our institutions and diverts public servants from their sworn duty to serve with integrity, competence, and loyalty,”

The Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and other agencies are all listed in the memo regarding the ban on gambling.

According to the applicable laws and regulations, any violation of this directive will result in administrative and/or criminal sanctions.

The DILG emphasises that the growing availability of online gambling platforms poses a serious ethical dilemma that may compromise the credibility and integrity of government service.

The department issued this ban after learning that numerous government employees and officials are allegedly involved in online gambling.

This action is in line with broader calls in the Philippines for tighter controls or a complete prohibition on online gambling in order to address social and moral issues related to gaming addiction.