The Internet has many reasons to rage against the growing wave of online gambling, but when Nadine Lustre, posing with her phone, approved the launch of an online casino, it was the tipping point.

Known for using his platform to challenge societal norms and speak out on social issues, Luster has earned the title “President” among his fans for his fearless voice in a conservative country. Still, her latest foray into the world of digital roulette sparked a storm of outrage. Beyond Luster himself, this incident served as a wake-up call to netizens and a warning about the deceptive nature of online gambling – promises of quick riches often lead to shattered lives and mounting losses.

So why is participation in online gambling seen as such a big issue, and why does a celebrity’s involvement make it even more alarming? The explanation is simple — Nadine’s fan base consists largely of young people, who are more likely to develop gambling addictions without understanding the long-term consequences.

Easier access

In the Philippines, the legal playing age is 21 (Republic Act 9287), but the availability of online platforms has made it alarmingly easy for minors to circumvent restrictions. These platforms exploit vulnerabilities through aggressive marketing strategies. As Mike Robb, senior director of research at Common Sense Media, pointed out in a Parents.com interview in 2024, gambling ads often use humor, celebrity endorsements, and memes that appeal directly to children and youth.

Gambling addiction

The backlash against Luster revealed an unexpected silver lining: the voices of younger people criticizing her. Ironically, research published by the American Psychological Association (APA) found that young people, especially boys and men, are particularly vulnerable to gambling addiction. They are also the most likely to engage in newer forms of gambling, such as sports betting and video game-based gambling.

But in the Philippines, the collective outrage of the young signals a growing awareness of the game’s pitfalls. But awareness is not enough. Lawmakers are stepping in to address the problem. Resolutions have been filed in the Senate to investigate how Filipino minors gain access to gambling through poorly regulated platforms. Late. Lito Lapid, in a 2024 GMA report, emphasized the need for action: “One way to protect the Filipino youth is to examine seemingly harmless platforms, such as social media, payment centers and the like, to ensure that they are not misused for illegal online gambling activities. Adequate safeguards and programs must be in place to prevent Filipino children from being lured and victimized by online gambling.”

Harsh reality

The true cost of online gambling extends far beyond lost money. An article by The Diplomat in 2024 described its predatory practices – rigged games, exploitative marketing and schemes designed to foster abuse. These platforms lure players with promises of easy wins but leave many in financial and emotional ruin. As the APA noted, gambling addiction mirrors addiction: it involves a growing tolerance that requires higher stakes, withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, and, in severe cases, life-altering consequences.

The human stories behind these statistics are heartbreaking. In a Pep.ph report, Butch, a recovering gambling addict from Pasig, recounted how he was first introduced to betting in Grade 3. His addiction escalated over the years, from betting on sports to playing slot machines and lotto. The emotional toll of losing left him frustrated, despondent and almost broken.

Finding a way forward

Ultimately, the controversy revealed how celebrities have a significant influence on public behavior, whether intentional or not, and how their actions can have consequences that extend far beyond their personal brand. The power of celebrity endorsement is such that it can blur the lines between entertainment and responsible behavior, leading people to view gambling as just another form of leisure or recreation, rather than a potentially dangerous addiction. In many cases, these recommendations overlook the social and economic costs associated with gambling, including the strain it places on families, communities and public health systems.