Internet Gambling in the Philippines?

Looks like internet gambling will hit the Philippines, as there are plans to organize an online betting system for cock fighting in the country.

I was surprised to read earlier that PhilWeb expects TeleSabong to generate P60 billion a year. No wonder it was corrected and scaled down to P60 million annually.

PhilWeb signed a deal in March to operate PAGCOR's internet sports betting and online gaming projects. Edward King (PAGCOR) says PhilWeb is doing the marketing study, and adds that they still have to determine how large the market is for the cock fighting online betting system. He notes that there are few province-based bettors who have access to the internet.

I wonder why they focus on the Pinoys in the provinces, when there are Filipinos living around the world who already have internet access. I suppose it's understandable because some local businesses still wonder how the internet and the web, with its global reach, can be used by local businesses who have a local client base.

Well, with internet gambling, we'll soon see how. I just hope that this online model will be adapted by other local industries seeking to make the global leap in business via the internet.

[ First posted on 06/01/2004 by Manuel Viloria ]