Published Paper Details:

Gambling has become increasingly accessible due to technological advancements and the legalization of certain gambling activities. With the increasing accessibility of gambling through technology and legalization, addiction persists despite efforts by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to promote responsible gaming. Despite PAGCOR's oversight and efforts to promote safe gambling practices, addiction continues to be a critical problem, driven by factors like peer influence, online gambling platforms, and intense marketing strategies. This study seeks to understand the lived experiences of people with gambling addiction, aiming to shed light on their challenges and inform strategies for effective intervention and support. The study identifies key gaps in regulation, intervention, and rehabilitation programs in the Philippines, particularly highlighting how social and governmental policies fail to adequately address the personal struggles and community impacts of gambling addiction. Motivated by over two decades of experience in the gaming industry, the researcher seeks to offer insights into the lived experiences of gambling addicts, aiming to inform public policy and improve support systems for addiction. Using qualitative methods such as interviews and documentary analysis, the study focuses on personal narratives, interviewing twenty participants engaged in various forms of gambling (e.g., online gambling, slot machines, and mixed games) to understand the complex challenges they face. The study on gambling addiction in Pampanga uncovers a progression from casual gambling to severe addiction, with significant financial, emotional, and relational consequences. Initially drawn in by small wins and social influences, participants soon found themselves in cycles of debt, secrecy, and strained family relationships. The emotional toll included guilt, shame, and in severe cases, depression, with attempts at recovery often providing only temporary relief. Many emphasized the need for personal boundaries and support networks to manage addiction. This study highlights the need for stronger community support and targeted policies to address gambling's broader societal impact.