Effects of Covid-19 Pandemic on Online Gamblers in Quezon Province

The lockdown response to the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted commercial gambling in many jurisdictions around the world. Gambling has been a viable alternative source of income for people in financial need, notably students. Researchers examined the students who are currently active in gambling in this scenario. Descriptive method was used in this research. A self-made questionnaire was used as a primary tool. The researchers used purposive sampling in identifying respondents. This study analyzed the effects of illegal gambling on 50 college students' behavior in Lucena City. Results show that the response to the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted commercial gambling in jurisdictions around the world. Numerous land-based gambling venues such as casinos, bingo halls, horseracing tracks, bars and clubs with electronic gambling machines (EGMs), lottery retailers, betting shops, and poker rooms were forced to close, in particular during the first phase 'lockdown' in March and April 2020. The initial lockdown, some venues have re-opened fully or in a modified fashion, some remain open and others have closed during the second wave restrictions. Like the course of the pandemic itself, the future availability of gambling is unknown and unpredictable. The implication drawn in this research is to save the students from being addicted to gambling that can lead to addiction and to put them away from the possible bad effects when they become engaged deeper and become their habit. In conclusion, gambling may be profitable but unfortunately, it can drive students to the path that they won't be able to restore what they have put into gambling like, money, time, and their lost personality.