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Educational content creator Lyqa Maravilla took to Facebook to shed light on the harmful effects of gambling on society.

In an episode of Reporter's Notebook, the award-winning Kapuso news magazine interviewed psychologist Dr. Richtoffen de Jesus, who explained why gambling can be addictive.

"Ang tao is pleasure driven lagi, nag-e-enjoy tayo kapag may bagay na nakakatuwa sa ating ginagawa. When you combine pleasure with something else that is socially valuable, which is money.

"All the more ngayon na nagdo-doble, kumbaga lalong tumataas 'yung inherent need to have it."

Speaking about the popularity of gambling in the Philippines, the expert added: "Sa bansa natin maraming tao ang mahirap, so therefore nakikita nila ang sugal na isang paraan ng mabilis na pag-asenso at pag-accumulate ng pera."

Source: Reporters Notebook

According to Lyqa, what is especially concerning is seeing celebrities use their influence and star power to promote online gambling to their fellow Filipinos.

She wrote on Facebook: "Minsan, kung sino pa ang may sobra, sila pa ang hindi alam kung ano ang sapat. 'Pag maliliit na influencers ang nag-eendorse ng sugal, medyo gets ko pa, e.

"Marahil matindi ang pangangailangan o ngayon lang nagkaroon ng pagkakataon upang makaahon. Hindi pa rin tama, pero mas kaya ng pang-unawa.

"Pero yung mga malalaking artista na o higante ang following, yun ang mahirap maintindihan. Kasi, sa totoo lang ha, gaano pa ba kalaking pera ang kailangan ninyo, mga mhie? Ang laki na ninyo kumita. Marangya na ang pamumuhay ninyo. 'Di ba dapat mas mahirap ka nang mabili?"