A traditional Filipino card game has taken a modern twist. Originally known as “sakla,” it now has its own digital version called “online sakla.” However, a problem has arisen: online sakla is illegal. The trusted online gambling provider OtsoBet will explain why it became illegal.
In 2023, amid the prohibition of online sabong, the digital version of the sakla game took its place, becoming the in-demand casino game for Filipino bettors. However, it is not just the online variant but also the traditional game with a similar name.
Brought by the Spaniards when they invaded the Philippines, it has endured the test of time. It became a fresh card game entirely different from the usuals, like poker, baccarat, pusoy dos, and more based on tarot cards.
Sakla is commonly played in funerals and wakes. Families of the departed hold card games such as this one. The hosts receive a share in the winnings, which are then used as additional financial assistance to the grieving families.
Being a form of gambling. The Philippine government exerted effort to regulate sakla. However, it proved to be difficult, and in 2020, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) banned all forms of gambling during wakes. This is to address the prevalence of illegal gambling.
Still, it remains rampant. It even transitioned to being online sakla. Going digital made it harder to track and, thus, almost impossible to regulate, even though it was banned in 2022.
In 2023, amid the prohibition of online sabong, gamblers found a new way to gamble. Through the modern version of the Spanish playing cards, the police force found a new casino game to combat. Here’s why:
Why is Online Sakla Illegal?
There are four reasons why online sakla has been deemed illegal.
1. Unregulated Gambling
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has the authority to regulate and license gambling activities in the Philippines. Unlike betting sites like OtsoBet, Online Sakla platforms operate outside this regulatory framework. This means they are not subject to oversight or control regarding fairness, security, or responsible gambling practices.
Furthermore, it raises concerns on the following:
Fairness: The games on these platforms may be rigged, making winning nearly impossible. Oversight must ensure the randomness of games of chance or the proper payout rates.
Security: Unregulated platforms are more susceptible to hacking and data breaches, and personal and financial information could be stolen.
Responsible Gambling Practices: PAGCOR-licensed casinos have measures to help people with gambling problems. These may include deposit limits, self-exclusion programs, and age verification. Unregulated platforms have no such safeguards, putting users at risk for addiction and financial ruin.
It also raises concerns in terms of:
Increased Problem Gambling: The lack of responsible gambling practices on these platforms can lead to a rise in gambling addiction. People may gamble more than they can afford, neglecting responsibilities and damaging relationships.
Loss of Revenue: Unregulated platforms don’t contribute tax revenue to the government, which could be used for public services and infrastructure.
Money Laundering: Criminals can use unregulated platforms to launder money due to the lack of oversight.
2. Potential for Fraud and Scams
Without proper regulation, online Sakla platforms are more susceptible to fraudulent activities. These could include manipulating game outcomes, phishing scams targeting players’ personal information, or money laundering schemes. Here’s how Filipino users can be targeted:
Manipulated Games: Unlike PAGCOR-licensed platforms with independent auditors, online Sakla games lack transparency. The software could be rigged to favor the house, making it nearly impossible for players to win. This can be particularly damaging in games of chance like roulette or coin flips, where the outcome should be entirely random.
Phishing Scams: These platforms may be used to launch phishing attacks. Phishing emails or messages imitating legitimate sources (e.g., banks and credit card companies) trick users into revealing personal or financial information, which can be used for identity theft or unauthorized transactions.
Malware and Spyware: Unsecured platforms are more likely to be riddled with malware and spyware. Malware can infect devices, steal data, or damage the user’s system. Spyware can silently monitor online activity, capturing usernames, passwords, and financial information.
Money Laundering: The anonymous nature of some online Sakla platforms makes them attractive to criminals for laundering money. By moving ill-gotten gains through these platforms, criminals can disguise the source of their funds.
3. Increased Risk of Addiction
The fast-paced, easily accessible nature of online gambling can be highly addictive. Without the safeguards implemented by licensed casinos, online Sakla can exacerbate gambling problems and lead to financial difficulties for players.
4. Loss of Government Revenue
When gambling happens outside of the regulated system, the government loses out on potential tax revenue generated from licensed casinos. This revenue can be used to fund social programs and infrastructure projects.
Conclusion
While the digital transformation of a traditional game may seem innovative, the case of online Sakla highlights the importance of regulation in the online gambling space like OtsoBet. These platforms significantly threaten Filipino users and the nation’s well-being without proper safeguards. Integrating this cultural game into the regulated online gambling sphere could be a potential solution. Still, it must prioritize user protection and responsible gambling practices, which regulated operators do. So, it is best to register and play on PAGCOR-licensed websites, just like this one.
