DAVAO City online gamblers are among the most frequent users of unregulated online gambling platforms, a recent study by Filipino sociocultural research firm The Fourth Wall has found. The report warns that many players in major urban centers, including Davao, remain unaware of the legal, financial, and privacy risks tied to these platforms, which often lack safeguards such as verification systems and betting limits.
The survey, which combined online panels and on-ground fieldwork, interviewed 400 active online gamblers with experience in both regulated and unregulated platforms. Respondents included 240 players from Mega Manila (60 percent), 80 from Metro Cebu (20 percent), and 80 from Metro Davao (20 percent). The results carry a ±5% margin of error at a 95% confidence level.
More than half of respondents (55 percent) admitted being unaware of the legal risks associated with these sites, while 33 percent said they only know “a little.” Just 12 percent said they find the rules clear, revealing widespread gaps in understanding.
Trust remains a challenge for many gamblers. Of those surveyed, 39 percent expressed doubts about fairness in unregulated platforms, while only 27 percent felt confident. Another 28 percent said they were neutral, indicating uncertainty about how these platforms operate.
“Our study reveals confidence, fairness, and profitability matter more than platform features such as betting limits or affiliate programs. This explains why players, despite the uncertainty and uneasiness, continue to engage with these platforms as long as they perceive a chance to win,” said The Fourth Wall Research Director John Brylle L. Bae.
Metro Davao gambling habits reflect national trends
The study shows that Metro Davao players mirror a broader national trend of frequent and high-stakes gambling on unregulated platforms. About 41 percent of players nationwide said they gamble two to three times per week, and nearly one-third reported playing four or more times weekly.
Betting behavior also skews toward higher stakes outside regulated systems, with most wagers ranging between P100 and P499, and bets exceeding P1,000 occurring almost exclusively in unregulated play. Large losses of P5,000 or more were also mostly tied to these platforms, while regulated platforms saw smaller, more controlled losses.
Researchers found that 41 percent of respondents had stopped playing at some point, largely due to financial setbacks.
Player profiles: Risk and perceptions
The study identified four main categories of online gamblers. High-Stakes Losers (44 percent) are players who exclusively gamble on unregulated sites, often placing large wagers with minimal profitability.
Perceived Winners (28 percent) are gamblers who prefer unregulated platforms, place moderate bets, and believe their winnings outweigh their losses.
Casual Break-Even Players (17 percent) are individuals who gamble primarily for leisure and entertainment, generally avoiding high-risk play.
Regulated Converts (11 percent) are players who engage with both regulated and unregulated platforms but favor regulated environments for greater security.
In terms of platform preference, Bingo Plus emerged as the most popular regulated site, chosen by 32 percent of respondents. JiliBet led among unregulated platforms, preferred by 28 percent.
Weak controls, easy access
Respondents nationwide, including in Davao, cited convenience, faster payouts, and a wider game selection as reasons for choosing unregulated platforms, but these benefits come at the cost of safety.
About 65 percent of respondents said they had not seen any fairness certifications on these sites, and nearly 20 percent admitted they do not check for them. Over 90 percent reported being able to register with minimal or no verification, and 80 percent said betting limits were absent — conditions that make it easier for minors and vulnerable individuals to participate.
Separate analysis by The Fourth Wall found stark differences between regulated and unregulated platforms, including games unverified by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), a lack of Know Your Customer (KYC) checks, aggressive promotional tactics, and inconsistent customer support. These gaps heighten the risks of fraud, addiction, and data breaches.
“Trust, not legality, drives player behavior, and highlights how building confidence can shape their choices. Therefore, policy could focus on shaping conditions such as payment channels, verification systems, or advertising practices that make safer options more accessible and attractive rather than targeting players. Clearer communication around protections, transparency, and user rights may encourage them to prefer regulated environments,” Bae added.
The Fourth Wall’s findings reveal a nationwide gambling culture where convenience and perceived profitability outweigh safety, with Metro Davao players reflecting the same high-risk behaviors observed in Mega Manila and Metro Cebu.
The data underscores the urgent need for better consumer education and stronger industry regulation to protect players, particularly those in vulnerable income brackets. Without significant reforms, the study warns that unregulated platforms will continue to thrive, drawing users despite the risks of financial loss, scams, and privacy breaches. DEF