Illegal gambling apps have become one of the most common ways unlawful gambling operations reach people in the Philippines. They are easy to download, easy to share through chat groups and social media, and often designed to look legitimate even when they are not. Some pretend to be licensed betting platforms. Others operate openly through websites, Telegram, Facebook pages, text blasts, GCash-style payment instructions, or agents recruiting players and cash-in contacts.

In the Philippine setting, reporting an illegal gambling app is not just a matter of consumer complaint. It may involve gambling law, cybercrime, fraud, money laundering controls, data privacy, child protection, and, in some cases, local ordinances and police enforcement. The proper response depends on what exactly the app is doing, who is behind it, where the victims are located, how money is collected, and whether the platform is merely unlicensed or is also committing related crimes such as estafa, identity misuse, unauthorized electronic transactions, or online exploitation.

This article explains the Philippine legal context, who may report, where to report, what evidence matters, how to prepare a complaint, what laws may apply, what risks a complainant should avoid, and what outcomes are realistic.

I. What Is an “Illegal Gambling App” in the Philippines?

In practical Philippine use, an illegal gambling app is any mobile app, web app, or digital platform used for gambling activities without lawful authority, or used in a way that violates Philippine law. The issue is not only whether gambling occurs. The issue is whether the operation is authorized, whether the specific activity is permitted, and whether the app is being used to commit additional unlawful acts.

An app may be considered illegal when it:

accepts bets or wagers in the Philippines without lawful authority;
offers gambling products not legally allowed for that operator;
targets users in the Philippines without proper regulatory basis;
uses local agents, remittance channels, or e-wallet accounts to collect bets unlawfully;
operates through deceptive advertising, fake licenses, or impersonation of a legitimate operator;
manipulates results, refuses withdrawals, or steals deposited funds;
allows minors to gamble;
uses mule accounts, fake identities, or shell arrangements to move gambling proceeds;
harvests personal data beyond lawful use;
links gambling to scams, sextortion, loan-app harassment, or other cyber offenses.

An app can also be illegal even if it claims to be “licensed abroad,” because the question in Philippine law is not simply whether some foreign jurisdiction issued something that looks like a permit. The real issue is whether the operation, offer, targeting, payment flow, and local participation are lawful in the Philippines.

II. Why Reporting Matters

Reporting serves several purposes.

First, it helps stop the operation. Many illegal gambling platforms survive because users assume the government already knows about them. Often, specific accounts, links, agents, and payment channels are what investigators need.

Second, it protects potential victims. Unlicensed gambling apps commonly lead to non-payment of winnings, identity theft, coercive debt collection, unauthorized debits, and blackmail.

Third, it creates a record. Even if one report does not immediately lead to a takedown, multiple complaints can establish patterns, identify networks, and justify stronger action.

Fourth, it helps authorities trace connected offenses. A gambling complaint may uncover fraud, money laundering, cybercrime infrastructure, or trafficking-related activity.

III. Main Philippine Authorities That May Receive a Report

There is no single universal office for every kind of illegal gambling app complaint. In Philippine practice, reporting may be made to one or several authorities depending on the facts.

1. Philippine National Police

The PNP, especially local police units and specialized anti-cyber or anti-illegal gambling components where available, is often the most direct law-enforcement entry point for a complaint involving active operators, agents, bettors, collection points, or local coordinators.

This is especially useful when:

the operators or agents are physically present in a city or municipality;
there are face-to-face collectors, coordinators, or runners;
there are victims within the locality;
immediate intervention may be needed.

2. National Bureau of Investigation

The NBI is often appropriate when the operation involves cyber elements, organized fraud, identity misuse, transnational links, fake apps, data theft, or broader syndicate activity.

This is especially useful when:

the app is part of a larger scam;
multiple victims are involved;
the operation spans different cities;
digital evidence needs forensic handling.

3. Department of Justice / Prosecutorial Authorities

If the complaint proceeds to criminal prosecution, the case may go through the proper prosecutorial channels after law-enforcement investigation. A complainant may also execute a complaint-affidavit for preliminary investigation depending on the offense and the stage of the case.

4. Regulator or Government Body Connected to Gambling Oversight

Where the issue is unauthorized gambling activity or false claims of licensing, complaints may also be sent to the relevant gambling regulatory body or government office handling lawful gaming oversight. This is especially important if the app falsely uses the name, logo, or supposed authority of a government-linked gaming regulator or licensed operator.

5. Cybercrime Units

If the platform involves phishing, fake links, account takeovers, OTP theft, SIM-based fraud, or online deception, cybercrime reporting channels are highly relevant.

6. Anti-Money Laundering and Financial Channels

If the app uses suspicious e-wallets, bank transfers, cryptocurrency addresses, repeated cash-ins through personal accounts, or layered payment channels, financial intelligence and suspicious transaction reporting mechanisms may become relevant. Ordinary complainants typically do not “file a money laundering case” directly in the same way they file a police blotter, but the information they submit can support financial tracing.

7. Data Privacy and Personal Data Complaint Channels

If the app harvested contacts, photos, IDs, biometrics, or personal data without proper basis, or leaked such data, data privacy remedies may also be considered.

8. Local Government and Barangay-Level Channels

Where the app is connected to local agents, bettors’ dens, collection operations, or recruitment hubs in a community, barangay officials or city/municipal authorities may provide practical assistance, though criminal and cyber aspects usually still require referral to proper law-enforcement offices.

IV. When an App Is More Than “Illegal Gambling”

A report should not be framed too narrowly. Many complainants make the mistake of saying only, “This is a gambling app.” Sometimes that is true, but sometimes the stronger legal angle is something else.

An illegal gambling app may also involve:

Fraud or Estafa

If users are induced to deposit money by false promises, manipulated odds, fake winnings, fake bonuses, or withdrawal obstruction, estafa issues may arise.

Cybercrime

If the platform uses hacking, illegal access, phishing links, malware, bot accounts, spoofed websites, fake payment pages, or unauthorized interception of credentials, cybercrime laws may be implicated.

Identity Fraud

If the app used someone else’s ID, name, corporate details, or payment account, identity-related offenses may apply.

Money Laundering-Related Conduct

If the gambling scheme channels proceeds through numerous personal accounts, e-wallet layers, or mule accounts, it may trigger financial investigation.

Data Privacy Violations

If user data is collected, sold, leaked, or weaponized for harassment, blackmail, or targeting, privacy law concerns arise.

Child Protection Concerns

If minors are encouraged or allowed to use the app, or recruitment targets students, schools, or youth communities, the matter becomes more serious.

Advertising and Consumer Deception

Some apps use false endorsements, fake testimonials, celebrity misuse, or false claims of legality.

A good complaint therefore describes the full conduct, not just the label.

V. Who Can Report?

Anyone with sufficient personal knowledge or credible information may report, including:

a player who lost money to the app;
a user whose winnings were withheld;
a parent whose child is using the app;
a spouse or family member affected by illegal gambling activity;
a landlord or employer who discovered gambling operations on the premises or devices;
a bank or e-wallet account owner whose account is being misused;
a local official aware of agents or collectors;
a private individual who found active recruitment or collection operations;
a victim whose identity or data was used to operate an account;
a legitimate company whose name, trademark, or branding was misused by the app.

Even a non-user can report if they have screenshots, links, names of agents, or specific knowledge of the operation.

VI. What Information Should Be Gathered Before Reporting?

The strongest complaints are specific, organized, and evidence-based. Authorities are more likely to act promptly when the report shows exact details.

Gather as much of the following as safely possible:

1. App Identity

app name;
icon/logo;
developer name shown in app store, if any;
APK file source or download link;
website or landing page;
mirror links;
QR codes;
Telegram, Facebook, Viber, WhatsApp, or Discord channels used to promote it.

2. Nature of Gambling Activity

sports betting;
casino-style games;
slots;
online sabong-style betting;
card betting;
lottery-type draws;
color games;
live dealer games;
“investment games” that are actually wagering schemes.

3. How It Operates

registration process;
KYC requirements, if any;
deposit method;
minimum bets;
commissions for agents;
referral incentives;
how winnings are withdrawn;
whether users are required to send money to personal accounts.

4. Payment Trail

e-wallet numbers;
bank account names and numbers;
screenshots of transfer instructions;
cash-in receipts;
reference numbers;
crypto wallet addresses;
names of agents who receive funds.

5. People Involved

recruiter names;
aliases;
phone numbers;
messenger accounts;
social media pages;
group chats;
physical addresses of agents or coordinators;
delivery or meet-up locations.

6. Proof of Illegality or Fraud

screenshot of fake license claims;
refusal to process withdrawals;
manipulated balances;
messages pressuring users to deposit more;
fake “tax” or “unlock fee” demands before withdrawal;
notices targeting minors or students;
use of multiple fake customer-service profiles.

7. Device and Transaction Evidence

screen recordings;
screenshots showing date and time;
SMS confirmations;
email confirmations;
app permissions requested;
unauthorized access logs;
bank statements or e-wallet history.

8. Witnesses

names of other victims;
affidavits from players or agents;
statements from family members who saw the activity;
screenshots of group discussions.

VII. How to Preserve Evidence Properly

A common problem in digital complaints is weak evidence preservation. Screenshots alone can be useful, but they are stronger when organized and supported by context.

Best practices include:

keep the original screenshot files, not just forwarded copies;
preserve dates and timestamps;
do not alter images except possibly to make a duplicate copy with redactions for public sharing;
record the full URL where possible;
capture profile links, usernames, and phone numbers;
take screen recordings showing navigation through the app or website;
save transaction receipts in PDF or image form;
write a short chronology while events are still fresh;
back up the evidence in a safe place;
do not continue interacting more than necessary just to “build a case.”

Where money is involved, keep every proof of deposit and every communication about withdrawal.

Where the app might disappear quickly, screen recording can be especially valuable.

VIII. What Not to Do While Gathering Evidence

A complainant should avoid conduct that creates risk for the case or for personal safety.

Do not:

hack the app or attempt unauthorized access;
impersonate law enforcement;
entrap on your own in a legally careless way;
threaten suspects;
publicly accuse people without basis;
dox private information online;
continue gambling just to collect more proof;
spread the app link “for awareness” in a way that promotes it;
send malware or retaliatory content;
destroy or overwrite original evidence.

Reporting should be lawful, controlled, and documented.

IX. Where to File the Complaint in Practice

A practical Philippine reporting strategy often works best.

A. Police or NBI Complaint

If there is active local harm, identifiable persons, or financial loss, begin with law enforcement. Bring:

valid ID;
printed or digital evidence;
complaint summary;
list of suspects, links, and numbers;
transaction history;
witness details if available.

Ask that the complaint be reduced into an official report or blotter, and keep a record of the office, date, receiving officer, and reference details if provided.

B. Cybercrime-Focused Reporting

If the app is phishing users, hijacking accounts, or using spoofed payment links, emphasize the cyber component. Do not describe the matter only as a “gambling issue” if the stronger immediate harm is unauthorized electronic fraud.

C. Gambling-Regulatory Complaint

If the platform falsely claims to be legal or authorized, or if you want the government to verify that it has no lawful basis to operate, include the exact claims made by the app.

D. Financial Reporting Angle

If personal bank or e-wallet accounts are being used as receiving channels, report to the financial institution as well. Request account review or fraud investigation as appropriate. Where your own account is compromised, immediate account-protection steps matter just as much as criminal reporting.

E. App Store / Platform Reporting

Even when government reporting is the main step, platform reporting can help disrupt access. The app can be reported to the app marketplace, hosting provider, social platform, or messaging service used for distribution. This does not replace a legal complaint, but it can reduce harm.

X. Suggested Structure of a Written Complaint

A legal complaint need not be ornate. It must be clear.

A useful structure is:

1. Caption or Heading

State that it is a complaint concerning an alleged illegal gambling app and related unlawful acts.

2. Complainant Information

Your name, address, contact details, and relation to the matter.

3. Respondent Information

If known, list names, aliases, usernames, phone numbers, account names, company names, page names, and addresses.

4. Facts

Narrate the events in chronological order:

how you discovered the app;
what representations were made;
how bets or deposits were placed;
how money was collected;
what happened next;
what losses or harms occurred;
why you believe the operation is illegal.

5. Evidence

Identify each screenshot, receipt, recording, message, or witness statement.

6. Laws Potentially Violated

You do not need to be exhaustive, but if known, state that the acts may violate Philippine laws on illegal gambling, cybercrime, fraud, money laundering controls, data privacy, and other applicable laws.

7. Relief Requested

Ask for investigation, preservation of digital evidence, identification of operators, prosecution if warranted, and coordination with proper agencies for blocking, takedown, or financial tracing.

8. Verification / Oath if Required

Where the complaint is formalized into an affidavit, ensure it is sworn before the proper officer.

XI. Sample Core Narrative for a Complaint

A complainant may write in substance:

I am reporting a mobile and online platform that appears to be conducting unlawful gambling operations targeting persons in the Philippines. The platform operates under the name [app name], accessible through [link/app source], and accepts bets and deposits through [wallet/bank/account details]. It was promoted to me through [Facebook/Telegram/Messenger/SMS] by persons using the names/usernames [details]. I deposited funds on [dates] and was instructed to send payments to [account details]. The platform represented that it was legal and authorized, but I have reason to believe this is false. After deposits were made, [state what occurred: refusal to process withdrawals, demand for additional fees, account lockout, data misuse, harassment, etc.]. Attached are screenshots, transaction records, and communications showing the operation and the identities/accounts used. I respectfully request investigation and appropriate action under Philippine law.

That kind of narration is simple and effective.

XII. Philippine Laws Potentially Involved

Because the user requested a legal article “on all there is to know,” it is important to discuss the legal framework at a high level. The exact statute or charge depends on the facts, but these legal areas commonly arise.

1. Laws and Rules Against Illegal Gambling

The Philippines has long regulated gambling through special laws, decrees, charters, and government-controlled or government-authorized structures. Gambling activities are not automatically lawful merely because they occur online. If the operator lacks lawful authority, runs prohibited forms, or targets the public outside lawful parameters, criminal or administrative liability may arise.

What matters most is whether the activity has legal basis, whether the operator has authority, and whether the specific conduct falls within what is allowed.

2. Cybercrime Prevention

When the platform uses computer systems, electronic communications, phishing structures, fake domains, or digital fraud mechanisms, cybercrime law may be implicated. Even where the underlying offense is old in concept, use of digital systems can add a cyber dimension.

3. Estafa and Deceit-Based Offenses

If the scheme induces deposits through false pretenses, fake winnings, fake unlock fees, or false claims of legality, fraud principles may apply. This is especially strong when users were never dealing with a genuine, paying platform.

4. Electronic Commerce and Digital Evidence Rules

Electronic messages, online receipts, screenshots, server records, emails, and transaction logs may all become important evidentiary material. Proper preservation and authentication matter.

5. Anti-Money Laundering Framework

Illegal gambling proceeds and related fund movement may attract scrutiny under the anti-money laundering regime. This is especially so where the operation uses layering, nominees, cash mules, or suspicious e-wallet activity.

6. Data Privacy

If the app excessively collects IDs, selfies, contacts, location, or device information without proper lawful basis, or leaks or weaponizes that data, privacy issues arise.

7. Child Protection and Youth Access

Where minors are involved, authorities may pursue not only gambling violations but also violations linked to child welfare and online protection.

XIII. If the App Is Foreign-Based but Targets Filipinos

Many illegal gambling apps operate from outside the Philippines while directly targeting Philippine users. This does not make them immune from Philippine law.

Jurisdiction issues can become complex, but Philippine authorities may still act where:

the victims are in the Philippines;
deposits are made through Philippine accounts or e-wallets;
agents operate locally;
advertising targets the Philippine market;
the effects of the unlawful conduct are felt in the Philippines.

A foreign operator with local agents, collectors, influencers, or marketing funnels can still generate enforceable leads for local investigation.

XIV. If the App Uses Local Agents or “Master Agents”

This is extremely common. Instead of processing bets directly under a visible corporate entity, the operation may use “agents” or “sub-agents” who:

recruit players;
open accounts for them;
collect deposits;
process withdrawals informally;
issue betting codes;
manage group chats;
settle balances offline.

In such cases, the report should not focus only on the app. It should identify the local human structure. A case is often stronger when it shows the chain: app, group, recruiter, collector, account holder, and physical location.

XV. If You Lost Money to the App

A victim who lost money should act quickly and in sequence.

1. Stop Further Deposits

Many illegal apps exploit sunk-cost thinking by promising “recovery” after one more deposit.

2. Preserve All Payment Records

Keep receipts, bank notifications, and chat instructions.

3. Secure Your Financial Accounts

If the app or related agents gained access to your personal or account information, change passwords, PINs, and security settings.

4. Report to the Payment Provider

Inform the bank, e-wallet, or remittance service if fraud or misuse is involved.

5. File a Formal Complaint

Provide the full record and identify the losses.

6. Be Careful With “Recovery Agents”

Victims are often targeted again by scammers pretending they can recover the money for a fee.

Money recovery is possible in some cases, but it is never guaranteed. The sooner the report is made, the better the chance that payment trails remain traceable.

XVI. If Your Child or a Minor Is Using the App

Parents, guardians, schools, and relatives should treat this as both a legal and welfare issue.

Immediate steps:

secure the child’s device;
preserve evidence rather than merely deleting it;
identify recruiters or chat groups;
notify school authorities if recruitment occurred among students;
report the platform and recruiters;
seek guidance if debt, threats, or coercion are involved.

If the child’s photos, IDs, contacts, or online accounts were collected or exploited, the matter may go beyond gambling and into cyber exploitation or privacy harms.

XVII. If You Are an Employee, Landlord, or Business Owner Who Discovered Operations

A workplace, apartment unit, store, or computer shop may be used as a local hub for illegal gambling. When this happens:

document what was observed;
avoid conducting your own unlawful search beyond what is legally and contractually proper;
preserve CCTV or access records if lawfully available;
report suspicious devices, accounts, and users;
consult counsel if employment or tenancy action is being considered alongside a criminal complaint.

A business owner should not simply “settle it privately” if a broader unlawful network appears to be operating.

XVIII. Can a Person Be Liable for Just Promoting the App?

Potentially, yes. Liability does not always fall only on the app’s programmers or top-level operators.

Those at risk may include:

recruiters;
influencers or streamers paid to promote the platform;
collectors;
payment-channel account holders;
social media admins managing betting groups;
persons distributing access links or referral codes;
those providing premises or devices with knowledge of the operation.

Knowledge and participation matter. Even where a promoter claims to be “just endorsing,” the facts may show deeper involvement.

XIX. Can a User Also Face Liability?

Potentially. A person should not assume that being “only a player” makes the matter legally risk-free. The exact exposure depends on the law, the role played, and enforcement choices. Users who become agents, recruiters, financiers, or account providers face greater risk.

That said, victims who come forward in good faith to report fraud or deception are in a different position from active organizers. Anyone with potential self-incrimination concerns should obtain legal advice before giving a detailed sworn statement.

XX. Anonymous Reporting vs. Formal Complaints

Anonymous tips can help authorities spot an operation, but they often have limitations.

Anonymous reports may help:

flag a link or app;
identify a suspected den or payment channel;
alert authorities to ongoing recruitment.

Formal complaints are stronger because they:

identify a real complainant or witness;
allow follow-up questions;
support affidavits and prosecution;
attach authenticated evidence;
show actual harm and context.

Where safety is a concern, the complainant should state that concern and ask about protective handling of personal details where appropriate.

XXI. What Outcomes Can a Complainant Expect?

A complainant should be realistic. Reporting does not always produce an immediate arrest or refund. Possible outcomes include:

recording of the complaint and intelligence gathering;
investigation of local agents and account holders;
referral to specialized cyber or gambling enforcement units;
requests for platform takedown or blocking;
tracing of bank or e-wallet accounts;
seizure of devices or records;
filing of criminal charges if evidence is sufficient;
coordination with prosecutors and other agencies.

Sometimes the first visible result is not prosecution but disruption: pages vanish, links go offline, agents stop responding, or payment channels are frozen or replaced.

XXII. Common Defenses or Excuses Used by Illegal Operators

Operators and agents often say:

“We are licensed abroad.”
“This is just a game, not gambling.”
“We only provide software.”
“Players are dealing with independent agents, not us.”
“This is investment, not betting.”
“We are only doing marketing.”
“No one is forced to join.”
“All losses are due to user error.”
“Withdrawals are delayed because of tax/compliance.”

A complainant should not argue legal theory in depth. It is enough to document the facts showing that money was wagered, the scheme targeted Philippine users, funds were collected, and unauthorized or fraudulent conduct occurred.

XXIII. The Role of Electronic Evidence in Philippine Proceedings

Digital complaints live or die on proof. Philippine law recognizes electronic evidence, but usefulness depends on reliability and context.

Important points:

screenshots should show enough surrounding context to identify the sender, account, or page;
transaction proofs should link to the relevant chat or instruction;
recordings should capture navigation where possible;
downloads and files should be preserved in original form;
devices should not be wiped or reformatted if central to the complaint.

A tidy evidence bundle often matters more than sheer volume.

XXIV. Should the Complainant Hire a Lawyer?

Not always, but in serious cases it can help.

A lawyer is especially useful when:

the losses are substantial;
the complainant may also face potential liability;
multiple victims want to file jointly;
there are threats or extortion;
the case involves cross-border operators;
corporate identities, trademarks, or data rights were misused;
a formal affidavit and case build-out are needed.

For simpler reporting, a person can begin with law enforcement using a factual, evidence-based complaint even without counsel.

XXV. Risks of Defamation and Public Posting

Many victims want to warn others online. That is understandable, but there is legal risk in making public accusations without care.

Safer practice:

report to authorities first;
preserve evidence;
avoid unnecessary naming online unless legally advised and well supported;
avoid exaggerated or emotional claims that go beyond what the evidence shows.

A careful report says: “This platform collected money through these accounts, represented these things, and then did these acts.” Facts are stronger than labels.

XXVI. If the App Has Already Disappeared

An app disappearing does not end the matter.

Still report:

the old links;
cached screenshots;
payment records;
usernames and contact details;
mirror sites;
device logs;
referral messages.

Often the app reappears under a new name using the same agent network or payment structure.

XXVII. Special Concern: Use of E-Wallets, Personal Bank Accounts, and Mule Accounts

Illegal gambling apps commonly avoid obvious business accounts and instead use:

personal e-wallet accounts;
rotating bank accounts;
third-party remittance handlers;
layered transfers through multiple individuals;
commissions to “cashier” accounts.

This is important because even if the app itself is elusive, the money trail may identify the local network. Complainants should therefore always include:

account names;
account numbers;
screenshots of instructions;
amounts;
dates and times;
reference numbers;
who gave the payment instruction.

XXVIII. If the App Collected IDs, Selfies, or Contacts

This is not a minor side issue. Some illegal apps collect identity documents under the pretense of account verification, then use them for:

account mule registration;
SIM registration-related abuse;
fake KYC submissions;
harassment;
resale to other scammers;
blackmail.

In such cases, the complaint should expressly mention data capture and possible misuse. A complainant should also consider protective steps such as monitoring accounts, changing credentials, and preserving proof of the data submitted.

XXIX. How a Strong Philippine Complaint Usually Reads

A strong complaint usually has five traits:

It is factual. It is chronological. It identifies people, accounts, and links. It attaches proof. It clearly asks for investigation.

A weak complaint usually says only: “There is an illegal gambling app in our area. Please investigate.” That is too bare.

A stronger one says: “The app called X is distributed through these links, promoted by these people, collects bets through these e-wallet accounts, targets users in this barangay, and withheld funds after taking deposits. Attached are screenshots, receipts, and recordings.”

That difference matters.

XXX. A Practical Reporting Checklist

Before filing, a complainant should ideally have:

app name and link;
screenshots and/or screen recording;
chat logs with agents or support;
deposit and withdrawal records;
bank/e-wallet account details used;
names, aliases, phone numbers, and social handles involved;
short chronology;
IDs of witnesses if any;
explanation of harm;
request for investigation.

XXXI. Final Legal Takeaway

In the Philippines, reporting an illegal gambling app is not merely about denouncing “bad gambling.” It is about documenting a potentially unlawful digital operation that may involve unauthorized wagering, fraud, cybercrime, suspicious financial flows, privacy abuse, and youth targeting. The most effective complaint is one that identifies the app, the people behind it, the payment channels used, the specific conduct complained of, and the evidence supporting the report.

The law does not depend on how polished the app looks, whether it claims to be foreign-licensed, or whether it uses trendy online branding. What matters is lawful authority, actual conduct, and provable facts. A complainant who acts early, preserves evidence carefully, and reports to the proper Philippine authorities gives the case the best chance of meaningful action.

Where the case involves large losses, threats, cross-border operators, or possible exposure of the complainant as a participant, legal counsel is strongly advisable. But even without that, a careful, factual report can be the critical first step in stopping an illegal gambling network.

If you want this turned into a formal law-review style article with citations to Philippine statutes and a more academic structure, I can draft that next without using search.