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In a significant development for the nation’s regulated online gambling industry, a coalition of licensed operators has today announced the establishment of the PlaySafe Alliance of the Philippines, a consolidated industry group dedicated to responsible gambling, regulatory adherence, consumer safety, and addressing illegal gambling.
The alliance, made up of 19 founding entities, was officially contracted during an initialing event held at Ascott Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Its Interim Council is comprised of licensed online gambling firms 1) DigiPlus Interactive Corp. (BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, GameZone); 2) World Platinum Technologies, Inc. (KingPH, LuckyPH, QueenPH); 3) Trojans Well Entertainment Corp. (Bet88); 4) Gavin Ventures, Inc. (OKBet); 5) Playmate Leisure Solutions Corp. (PlayTime); 6) Stotsenberg Leisure Park & Hotel Corp. (Casino Plus, Perya Plus); 7) Jade Entertainment and Gaming Technologies, Inc. (Jade Sportsbet); 8) Meta Interactive Software Solutions, Inc. (123Go); and 9) Enigma Software Solutions, Inc. (Patokbet).
The inauguration of the industry association arrives as the Philippines undergoes a thorough assessment of the local online gambling environment, with lawmakers, regulators, and industry heads currently discussing the optimal approach to align public interest with economic input.
“Ang tunay na kaaway sa usapin ng online gambling ay ang ilegal na market. Walang lisensya, walang kontrol — puwedeng maglaro ang menor de edad, walang bayad na buwis, at hindi sumusunod sa mga patakaran. Sa halip na protektado, nalalagay sa panganib ang publiko,” stated Mike Defensor, the appointed spokesperson for the industry alliance and President of World Platinum Technologies, Inc. “Sa kasalukuyan, tinatayang 70% ng online gambling market ay ilegal, habang 30% lamang ang legal na sumusunod sa regulasyon at nagbabayad ng buwis sa gobyerno. Kaya mahalaga ang mahigpit na regulasyon at pagtutok sa mga ligal na operator upang matiyak ang ligtas, responsable, at makatarungang paglalaro para sa lahat,” he underscored.
Mandate and Objectives of the PlaySafe Alliance
The PlaySafe Alliance of the Philippines, in its initial stages, will concentrate on:
- Collaborating with Regulators — Collaborating with PAGCOR to improve industry oversight and compliance, particularly regarding current marketing and advertising practices.
- Enhancing Responsible Gaming Measures — Establishing effective KYC (Know-Your-Customer) procedures, age verification, and self-exclusion programs.
- Tackling Illegal Gambling — Initiating actions to discourage illegal and unlicensed operators.
- Public Education — Initiating awareness campaigns about safer gambling and the hazards of participating on unregulated platforms.
- Support for Gambling-Related Harm & Addiction — Investing in nationwide research, education, prevention & treatment (REPT) initiatives for online gaming, including a 24/7 National Gambling Helpline.
“This alliance is not focused on rivalry — it’s centered on partnership,” remarked Eusebio Tanco, a founding member of the PlaySafe Alliance and Chairman of DigiPlus Interactive Corp. “Through collective effort, we can guarantee that online gambling in the Philippines will be more secure, transparent, and advantageous for both players and the country.”
The PlaySafe Alliance will soon designate its Officers and subsequently organize into multiple Strategic Committees targeting areas like Player Protection, Advertising & Marketing Governance, Financial Risk Management, and Combating Illegal Gambling. The founders of the association have also revealed plans to establish an independent advisory panel comprising local and international specialists to provide guidance on responsible gaming regulations, public health, financial technology, and consumer advocacy subjects.
Other organizations present that have confirmed membership in the PlaySafe Alliance today include:
- Arden Consult
- GoTech Entertainment, Inc. (Filbet)
- IGO Digital High Technology, Inc. (iGO, PremyoFun)
- NEMO Interactive Group Corp. (Fairplay, Arionplay)
- Nextstage Entertainment, Inc. (ANIBET)
- RAC Phil Corp. (LakiWin)
- Silver Goose 8 International Inc. (SG8)
- Skyline Nexus Corp. (Juan365)
- Webzoid System Solutions Corp. (Go Play Asia)
- Xn Solutions, Inc. (MegaPerya)
Additional prospective members who wish to join may reach out to the Interim Council.
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