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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Trade & Industry devider Gaming sector alliance contends e-wallet delinking won't stop gambling

Gaming sector alliance contends e-wallet delinking won't stop gambling

Published Aug 18, 2025 03:02 pm
Members of the PlaySafe Alliance of the Philippines
Members of the PlaySafe Alliance of the Philippines
The newly formed alliance of online gaming operators is warning that the recent move by the central bank to cut off easy access to gambling sites via e-wallets could backfire by pushing players into the unregulated black market.
The PlaySafe Alliance of the Philippines, comprising 18 online gaming operators and a law firm, contended that compelling licensed platforms to disconnect from online payment systems would not curb gambling.
Instead, they asserted that limiting access to traceable and regulated payment methods may drive players to illegal sites, where transactions are untraceable, taxes are evaded, and consumer risks are more challenging to identify.
The alliance’s warning comes after the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) issued an order last week for e-wallets, including GCash and Maya, to remove in-app links to online gambling sites.
The central bank’s action, which took effect on Saturday evening, Aug. 16, was aimed at curbing gambling addiction and protecting consumers by eliminating convenient, one-click access points within the payment applications.
Both GCash and Maya have announced their compliance. GCash has suspended its “GLife” gaming feature, while Maya has disabled links through its “Games” feature.
However, the PlaySafe Alliance maintained that its licensed operators, which are sanctioned by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor), are a safer option for consumers.
The group argued that these platforms are required to implement strict consumer protections, including know your customer (KYC) protocols, age verification, and responsible gaming tools.
“We share the BSP’s objectives on consumer protection and financial integrity,” the alliance said in a statement. “As an industry alliance, we firmly believe that the most effective way to achieve both is to keep lawful activity inside the regulatory perimeter with traceable, supervised payment rails.”
The PlaySafe Alliance was formed just this month. Members of the alliance’s interim council include DigiPlus Interactive Corp., World Platinum Technologies Inc., Trojans Well Entertainment Corp., Gavin Ventures Inc., Playmate Leisure Solutions Corp., Stotsenberg Leisure Park & Hotel Corp., Jade Entertainment and Gaming Technologies Inc., Meta Interactive Software Solutions Inc., and Enigma Software Solutions Inc.
Other firms that have signed membership in the alliance include Arden Consult, GoTech Entertainment Inc., IGO Digital High Technology Inc., NEMO Interactive Group Corp., Nextstage Entertainment Inc., RAC Phil Corp., Silver Goose 8 International Inc., Skyline Nexus Corp., Webzoid System Solutions Corp., and Xn Solutions Inc.

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PlaySafe Alliance of the Philippines online gambling Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)
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