By Adrian H. Halili, Reporter
THE BANGKO SENTRAL ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Thursday directed all digital wallets (e-wallets), banks, and other overseen institutions to eliminate in-app gambling functionalities, including any links redirecting users to gaming or betting websites.
“The BSP notice is issued due to the rise in online gambling transactions and its effects on the fiscal well-being of consumers and their families, alongside the wider societal costs,” the central bank stated in a declaration late Thursday.
The BSP indicated that the suspension will persist until its regulations for online gambling payment services are completed.
BSP Deputy Governor Mamerto E. Tangonan mentioned that these financial entities had 48 hours to eliminate the links redirecting users to gambling websites.
“The Monetary Board of the BSP has sanctioned our policy commanding BSP-supervised institutions to remove all icons and links redirecting to online gambling platforms,” he stated during a Senate committee hearing on online gambling.
In separate communications, GCash and Maya declared they will adhere to the BSP’s mandate without delay.
E-wallets like GCash and Maya have incorporated gambling-related services within their apps, providing users easy access to online casinos. This has contributed to the growing popularity of online gambling in recent years.
Nevertheless, rising worries over gambling addiction and increased debt have led lawmakers and regulators to contemplate actions to prohibit or restrict online gambling in the nation.
Senator Alan Peter S. Cayetano questioned why it would require 48 hours to eliminate the links to online gaming sites when it could be executed immediately.
“Why is there a need for 48 hours? Shouldn’t that be instant? So if someone passes away in 48 hours due to addiction (to online gambling), is that acceptable?” asked Mr. Cayetano, who leads the Senate Committee on Banks and Financial Institutions.
Mr. Tangonan asserted that the 48 hours would be sufficient for e-wallet operators to eradicate all links to online gambling platforms.
“Another reason is to allow customers time to withdraw their funds from the online gaming account once they learn about the removal of links from the mobile payment applications and websites,” he added.
Mr. Tangonan remarked that the elimination of links to online gaming platforms is an “immediate action” as the BSP continues to finalize new regulations to curtail gambling-related damage by enhancing financial safeguards across banks, e-wallets, and payment systems.
“The suspension of the in-app links from the mobile applications is an immediate response while we finalize regulations (on online gaming platforms),” he stated.
Mr. Tangonan also noted that utilizing credit cards to fund online bets will be forbidden by the BSP.
The BSP has also proposed initiatives like biometric ID verification, daily transaction ceilings, time-based payment limitations, and user tools for spending caps, voluntary breaks, and self-exclusion.
The central bank stated that these safeguards are intended to mitigate addiction, fraud, and financial detriment while promoting responsible usage of digital finance.
E-WALLETS TO UPDATE APPLICATIONS
GCash announced that it will swiftly implement the adjustments on its app after receiving the official notice from the BSP.
“We share the BSP’s commitment to ensuring responsible usage of digital financial services that prioritize the welfare of Filipinos,” stated GCash.
Maya indicated that the app will be updated in accordance with the BSP’s directives.
“We assure our customers that their accounts and transactions are secure and fully operational. We remain committed to serving our customers while fully adhering to regulatory requirements,” Maya affirmed.
Senator Erwin T. Tulfo, chair of the Games and Amusements Committee, cautioned that he would hold the BSP official in contempt if e-wallets still displayed links to gaming platforms after the 48-hour deadline concludes.
“Don’t challenge this committee. We are facing a crisis. When you state the deadline is on Saturday, I’ll extend it to Sunday. If there are still (gaming links) on e-wallets Sunday morning, we will hold you in contempt,” warned Mr. Tulfo.
In response, Ronald B. Gustilo, national campaigner for the Digital Pinoys group, remarked that the central bank should guarantee that all e-wallet platforms meet its command to eliminate links to gaming websites.
“Noncompliance should face severe repercussions, such as suspension or even cancellation of licenses,” Mr. Gustilo said in a Viber message.
“Ultimately, ensuring the protection and welfare of every Filipino should be the primary concern of any policy or regulation instituted by the government,” he added.
Filomeno S. Sta. Ana III, coordinator of Action for Economic Reforms, emphasized that the BSP should employ advanced technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor fraudulent activities associated with online gambling.
“Advanced technologies for real-time activity monitoring are available. AI is also a valuable tool for identifying patterns of fraudulent behavior,” he stated in a Viber message.
Mr. Tulfo also urged the BSP, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR), and other governmental bodies to develop “clear solutions” against online gambling.
“We seek a straightforward and clear solution. We are discussing this now as the majority desires a complete ban on online gambling while you seek regulation due to lost revenues. From the Senate’s perspective, we are inclined to prohibit it as social issues outweigh the income benefits,” he added.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. previously stated that a ban might push individuals towards illegal gambling platforms. He called for extensive consultations involving various stakeholders before reaching a conclusion.
PAGCOR, for its part, mentioned that it is still evaluating whether to impose higher collection rates on licensed gaming operators.
“PAGCOR is in discussions with (the Department of Finance), and we are analyzing the likelihood,” PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco told journalists.
However, Mr. Tengco warned that increasing collection fees could incentivize some to operate illegally instead.
“Let’s consider whether we should slightly increase it to tighten regulations, or it may backfire and render illegal (operators) more profitable,” he concluded.
PAGCOR currently collects a 30% tax from e-gaming platforms. This was previously reduced from 35% to encourage more illegal gambling operators to register.
As per PAGCOR, the gaming industry’s gross gaming revenues (GGR) soared by 26% to P214.75 billion in the first half of 2025. This surge was propelled by the electronic games sector, which witnessed a 53.47% increase in gross revenues to P114.83 billion.
PAGCOR anticipates GGR to exceed P480 billion in 2025.