Editing Online Gambling (section)

=====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:

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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.
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