From Texting to Gambling?
by: yuga
Date: Nov. 2, 2002

I'm not really fond of texting. For every 10 text messages sent to me, I answer perhaps one or two of them (assuming they really require urgent answering). Otherwise, I'd call them up or pop them up over YM or MSN. This could be one of the reasons why I can't text fast enough and am not infected by the texting shortcuts that are an utter disgrace to grammar. Well, that's another story altogether.

What I'm more concerned about is the notorious exploitation of SMS technology to spread the habit of gambling, even amongst the young texters. Surely, most if not all of you have had joined in one time or another any of these SMS promos where you get to win prizes like cell phones or cash just by sending text messages to a certain number (usually short, 3 to 5 digit numbers) provided by the telcos. To add to that, the more you send them, the more your chances of winning the pot.

Unbeknownst to the participants of these promotions or contests, they are already a part of a multi-million high-tech gambling empire. Let's face it, these texting games or contests are more or less under the principle of chance and therefore can be considered gambling. One may not notice it primarily because it does not entail very large sum of money like the mega lotto or other lotto's sponsored by PCSO or PAGCOR.

If some of you may have remembered STL (Small Time Lottery) almost a decade ago, this texting contest fad is more or less akin to that. Spending one or two pesos for a chance of winning a couple thousand bucks is very appealing indeed. It's not even that noticeable since you're only sending out text messages and not 2-peso coins.

What is more surprising is that this trend has become very much alive and thriving in all forms and manner.

I once stopped by a local 7-11 store to buy soda and something to munch and the store had a texting promo for their anniversary where you could win a brand new car - all just by texting them your receipt number. A year ago, when they're still using tambiolos, they'd only get increased sales and patronage in exchange for the prizes given away. Today, they also get revenues from profit-sharing schemes with the telcos. Very creative, indeed. Tempting, but I didn't even bother sending a single text message.

Time and again, we Filipinos have proven that any new technology can be harnessed and turn into profitable businesses. With the Philippines becoming Asia's texting capital in a short span of time, it is a lucrative venture to go into business using your own mobile cell phone. What more with over 12 million potential customers ready to grab that chance to win the lotto. The government should really take a good look at this before things get out of proportion.

Haven't you noticed all local TV channels are full of "text-this-and-text-that" allusions nowadays? How about you? Ready to part with your hard-earned peso?