Filipino lawmaker wants online gambling banned

MANILA, The Phillipines -- As reported by the Philippine Daily Inquirer: "A lawmaker has proposed that gambling on the Internet be made illegal.

"Alliance for Rural Concerns party-list Representative Narciso Santiago noted in his proposed legislation that there are no existing regulations on Internet gambling.

"Santiago's bill proposes to make it illegal for people running a gambling operation to use the Internet or any other interactive computer service to place, receive, or otherwise make a bet or wager; or send, receive, or invite information that may assist in the placing of a bet or wager.

"He also said there is a danger that gambling sites may be used in scams to trick people out of their money.

"...But the bill also exempts certain operations, such as any lawful bet or wager that is placed, received or made wholly for the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office lotto, if these operations are authorized, licensed or regulated..."