Philippine licensed online gaming operators raise concerns over payment restrictions
The PlaySafe Alliance says cutting e-wallet links could fuel black market activity.
The Philippines.- The new coalition of licensed online gambling operators PlaySafe Alliance has expressed concern that Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) measures to sever links between e-wallets and gambling sites could have unintended consequences. The coalition of 18 Philippine licensed operators and one law firm said the move may push players toward illegal and riskier alternatives.
Last week, the BSP ordered major e-wallet providers, including GCash and Maya, to remove in-app links to gambling platforms. Both companies complied, disabling features that previously allowed direct access to gaming sites.
“We commend the Senate for surfacing the central truth in its hearing: the harms highlighted, underage access, uncontrolled betting, and financial distress, stem from illegal, unlicensed platforms, not from Pagcor-licensed operators,” the group said in a statement.
The alliance stressed that licensed firms are subject to audits and implement know-your-customer checks, age verification and responsible gaming safeguards.
“Delinking licensed operators from online payment platforms would not stop gambling. It risks pushing players into the dark corners of the internet where activity is untraceable, taxes disappear, and harm is harder to detect,” the PlaySafe Alliance said.
The alliance emphasised it shares the government’s goals of consumer protection and financial integrity, but believes the most effective way forward is to keep lawful gambling within the regulated sphere. “Keeping regulated operators tied to supervised payment rails ensures traceability and oversight, unlike the unregulated black market,” the group said.
