ONLINE GAMBLING composite image from Inquirer stock
MANILA, Philippines — With online gambling now inaccessible in e-wallets, people who got hooked and eventually fell into a serious addiction now have to brace themselves for “withdrawal.”
Last weekend, e-wallets such as GCash and Maya removed links to online gambling sites, complying with the order issued by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
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This, as the Philippines reviews the local online gambling industry, with lawmakers, regulators, and businessmen debating whether online gambling should be completely prohibited.
Both GCash and Maya stated in their advisories that they will adhere to the BSP’s Memorandum No. M-2025-029, which pointed out serious concerns about the effects online gambling has on consumers.
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As a result, individuals who fell into a serious addiction are now expected to exhibit symptoms related to the cessation or reduction of their online gambling use.
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Psychologist AJ Sunglao said they may experience withdrawal, which are the physical and psychological symptoms that occur when a person suddenly reduces or stops substance use, or in this case, online gambling addiction.
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“It happens because the brain and body have become dependent on the repeated stimulation or chemical effects, and once the source is removed, the system struggles to re-adjust,” he told INQUIRER.net.
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While he explained that there are still no reports of medically serious withdrawal states from behavioral addictions, unlike in cases of withdrawal from illegal substances, there are possible symptoms that one has to be on the lookout for.
“These include restlessness, irritability, anxiety, low mood, sleep problems, poor concentration, and even strong cravings,” Sunglao said as he stressed how these could lead to worse mental health conditions.
He pointed out that these symptoms can be addressed with an immediate “first-aid” such as replacing the behavioral void left with healthier coping strategies, like deep breathing, short walks, journaling, and exercises.
Staying away from triggers, as well as seeking support from people you trust, would help, too.
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However, Sunglao also stressed the need to seek structured interventions such as counseling or therapy, engagement with support groups, and psychiatric consultation if the symptoms are severe.
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“Gradually, [one needs to have] healthy and sustainable lifestyle changes to progressively replace the addictive behavior and reduce the chance of relapse,” he said.