In this episode of the Project 7 to 1 Podcast, Carlo Ople sits down with Mervin Kei Oliveros, a former online gaming industry veteran with over a decade of experience in player care, compliance, and responsible gaming. Having spent 13 years working within one of Europe’s largest online gambling operators, Mervin brings a rare insider’s perspective on an industry that has rapidly expanded across the Philippines.

The conversation focuses on one of Mervin’s biggest advocacies today: player safety. Drawing from his firsthand experience, he discusses the risks associated with online gambling, the growing accessibility of betting platforms, and the predatory marketing tactics used to attract and retain players. From celebrity endorsements and influencer campaigns to the normalization of gambling through digital content, Mervin explains why he believes stronger safeguards are needed to protect vulnerable consumers.

Carlo and Mervin also tackle the broader debate surrounding regulation, responsible gaming, and whether current policies are keeping pace with the explosive growth of online gambling. Expect a candid, eye-opening discussion that pulls back the curtain on an industry few truly understand—and why the conversation about player protection has never been more important.