Gambling addiction is on the rise in the Philippines, with a rehabilitation center reporting a significant increase in helpline calls. Calls related to gambling now constitute nine out of ten inquiries, indicating a worsening crisis.

The Philippines may be taking steps to curb gambling addiction, but for Bridges of Hope founder and director Jon Ty, the number of helpline calls that he has received over the past year tells a different story. Such calls to the rehabilitation centre’s hotline were mostly related to gambling, with the number rising to nine out of 10 total calls so far this year from seven out of 10 in 2025, Ty said. Many of the callers were desperate family members reaching out because their loved ones were...