DigiPlus warns against ban on online gambling in the Philippines
The gaming operator says a ban would jeopardise over 40,000 jobs.
The Philippines.- The gaming operator DigiPlus Interactive Corp has issued a warning against calls for a ban on online gambling. The company argues that such a move would do little to address concerns about addiction and corruption and would drive players toward unregulated, illegal platforms.
The office of president Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has said that he is carefully weighing the impact of a possible ban, following calls from several senators.
DigiPlus, which operates BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, says it has adopted many proposed responsible gaming safeguards including know-your-customer (KYC) verification, government ID checks, age restrictions, deposit limits, self-exclusion tools, and new initiatives like affordability assessments and mental health referrals. It said these measures were not reactions to political pressure, but part of a long-term strategy to build a responsible gaming ecosystem.
“Regulation is the path to player protection. It’s the only way to safeguard players, preserve jobs, and shut down illegal operations,” said Eusebio Tanco, chairman of DigiPlus. “With the right rules in place, the Philippines can become a model for safe, transparent online gaming in Asia.”
DigiPlus fell 20.4 per cent on Wednesday and was down over 57 per cent from a 52-week high in June. The company is looking to offset risks through international expansion, including a launch in Brazil in September.
“A well-regulated market can protect players, support tens of thousands of jobs, and contribute billions to government revenue,” the company stated. “We urge lawmakers to weigh the consequences carefully.”
