2-5-2024 (MANILA) A shadowy online gambling ring operating illicit raffles through the ubiquitous social media platform Facebook found its lucrative operations shuttered on Wednesday as law enforcement authorities pounced. The crackdown saw 16 individuals arrested at an office premises in Binan, Laguna by a joint task force comprised of operatives from the Philippine National Police’s Anti-Cybercrime Group and representatives of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
The suspects were caught red-handed livestreaming the 50th edition of their illegal online raffle under the moniker “Lucky Dream 4” when the raid took place. PAGCOR senior vice president Raul Villanueva revealed the Facebook page, boasting over 111,000 followers, had been brazenly conducting unauthorised live games for some time – dangling pre-owned modified motorcycles as prizes to lure unwitting punters.
“The Lucky Dream 4 group has been operating for a while now. In one raffle, they can collect up to 1.8 million pesos,” Villanueva disclosed, painting a lucrative picture of the racket’s unlawful proceeds. He added that each raffle draw could see the unscrupulous operators hawk between 40,000 to 50,000 tickets priced at a modest 40 pesos apiece.
“They have amassed over 8 million pesos from the time they started this illegal online operation because in one draw, they can sell as many as 50,000 tickets,” the PAGCOR security chief stated grimly. “The most appalling aspect is that most members of this group are youths, with the oldest only 27 years old.”
Underscoring the illicit nature of the online gambling enterprise, Villanueva stressed, “The Lucky Dream 4 group is obviously engaged in illegal online gaming activity. It’s a full-blown business they’re running. They need to secure a licence from PAGCOR if they want to operate an online gaming platform.”
The crackdown represented a decisive strike in the Philippine government’s intensifying battle against the proliferation of unlawful digital gambling dens. PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco hailed the operation as an emboldened fulfilment of the gaming regulator’s mandate to safeguard the public – especially vulnerable minors – from the scourge of illicit online betting.
“We have been receiving reports of illegal online activities including those on social media platforms,” Tengco stated. “As the country’s gaming regulator, it is our duty to protect the public – especially the youth – from these illegal online gambling sites.”
