Editing Online Gambling (section)

====SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats)====

=====The Strengths of Online Gambling=====

:Online gambling’s attractiveness takes pride on the nature of the technology’s ability to address convenience and accessibility. Online gambling takes away the travel time, the hassle of following a dress code and the confines of the establishment’s operating hours. The only prerequisite of online gambling is access to the Internet. This does not, however limit the disadvantaged sector of the digital divide. Not only can it be accessed by people who have Internet, but it can also be played by those who have no internet connection through the e-games cafes established by PAGCOR. These are played in Internet Casino Stations (ICS) available nationwide for those who do not have Internet access.  Second, gambling online offers a multitude of games for users to choose from. Not only can users choose the online casino they prefer, they can also select virtual rooms offering not just an assortment of games, but also a variety of one specific game. To expound further, virtual rooms provide customers with different types of poker, blackjack, and even specialty games. Online, a lot of games are provided to suit a horde of preferences. Since there are a lot of game providers, online casinos sometimes offer bonuses to their customers.  Cash prizes or credit bonuses are just some of the additional perks casinos offer in order to attract more users. Bonuses are also made available among games online. For example, bonus rounds are provided for slot machine users, as well as free spin to increase even more one’s take home money.  Also, online casino operators allow free trials for those who are interested to play but are not willing to shell out cash. Gamblers can use this to their advantage and figure out the type of game that suits their preference. Security wise, participating in casinos online is safer than most people think. Contrary to the belief that it is unsafe, most virtual gambling businesses are as secure as land-based casinos. In fact, one’s winnings can be snail mailed to one’s home address or transferred directly to one’s bank account. However, certain caution should be considered when signing agreements. 

=====The Weaknesses of Online Gambling=====

:The major loophole of online gambling as an industry is centered on the issue of legality. The group couldn’t overemphasize the issue further. However, with the introduction of online gambling market into the gambling industry, it blurred out further the boundaries of legitimacy. At present, only those regulated under PAGCOR are considered legal. All other games or gambling activities outside the jurisdiction of PAGCOR are considered illegal. However, even if the boundary of legality has been set, the proliferation of illegal gambling activities still exists online.  

=====The Opportunities of Online Gambling=====

:Revenue from online gambling is relatively high. In an article released by GMANews.TV, operating income increased from P23.1 million in 2006 to P121.2 million in 2007. This is a 100 million increase in revenues in a span of only 1 year.  Lastly, online gambling tends to offer its users more revenue in return for their deposit or bet. It usually has higher payout percentage than normal gambling establishments.

=====The Threats of Online Gambling=====

:Although the revenues generated by the online gambling industry are remarkably high, the social repercussions the industry imposes on its consumers are if not understated, unrecognized. The opponents of online gambling counter that the legalization of this industry would further elevate the social ills which damage the society. As the bets are getting higher and higher by the minute, it becomes more difficult to oppose the urge to gamble. The gambler becomes progressively unable to resist the impulse. This behavioral disorder known as Pathological Gambling is brought about by the intensity of the gamble. Since it is rooted in every firm to maximize their profits, the objective of these online gambling operators is to bind gamblers into games which are addictive so that they will continuously bet again and again.  Since the Internet brings the compulsive gambler closer to the opportunity to gamble with just a few clicks of the mouse, it smoothens out the path to addiction.  Online gambling games are like mouse traps and the gamblers don’t actually get the “cheese.”  

:Another weakness of participating in online casinos is the threat of fraud and cheating. As was said earlier, certain precautions should be taken when agreeing to terms and conditions because online gambling sites have constantly been a target of hackers, as well as con-artists. The usual modus operandi of these con-artists is to hack the system and acquire the credit card numbers. However, under the Philippines’ e-commerce act, this problem is being addressed. Chapter II Declaration of Principles for Electronic Commerce Promotion, a section is provided specifically addressing the protection of users. This is to protect the users’ privacy, confidentiality, anonymity and content control. Users should be given the right to exercise their freedom of choice, as well as right to privacy, anonymity, confidentiality and content control. However, although a specific section was provided for this issue, it cannot be fully resolved because according to the e-commerce act, the Internet system was not designed to accommodate these restrictions. Sec 48 of e-commerce act also addresses the problem of hacking. The law states that:

<blockquote>
Section 48.   Hacking.  Hacking or cracking which refers to unauthorized access into or interference in a computer system server or information and communication system; or any access in order to corrupt, alter, steal, or destroy using a computer or other similar information and communication devices, without the knowledge and consent of the owner of the computer or information and communications system, including the introduction of computer viruses and the like, resulting in the corruption, destruction, alteration, theft or loss of electronic data messages or electronic document shall be punished by a minimum fine of one hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) and a maximum commensurate to the damage incurred and a mandatory imprisonment of six (6) months to three (3) years.
</blockquote>