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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Banking & Finance devider Pagcor blocks credit card, digital currency for gambling payments

Pagcor blocks credit card, digital currency for gambling payments

Published Dec 10, 2025 03:37 pm
State-run Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) banned the use of credit cards and cryptocurrencies for betting on games, citing the risk of excessive borrowing and reckless spending among gamblers.
In a statement on Wednesday, Dec. 10, Pagcor Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Alejandro H. Tengco said the new restrictions stem from the risks of “over-borrowing and impulsive behavior” flagged by the government firm.
The new Pagcor measure also comes amid the regulator’s intensified focus on responsible gaming as the country’s digital gaming market rapidly expands.
Licensed operators are now also required to integrate responsible gaming tools like self-exclusion and betting limits to help players manage their gambling habits more sustainably, Pagcor said.
This order is expected to complement a recent directive from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to delink in-app online gaming access from e-wallets and other payment channels. The central bank's move followed calls to ban online gambling due to rising exposure and addiction among Filipinos.
These financial safeguards are aimed at strengthening “integrity and player protection across the fast-growing online sector.”
Tengco noted that the “transition to tighter payment controls has prompted operators and players to recalibrate, resulting in softer revenues in the latter part of the third quarter of this year.”
From July to September, the country’s gaming industry posted a sharp slowdown. Industry-wide gross gaming revenue (GGR) plateaued at ₱94.5 billion, slightly lower than ₱94.6 billion recorded in the same period last year.
Despite the short-term dent, Tengco argued the necessity of such steps “to improve traceability, reinforce anti-money laundering protections, and curb illicit financial activity.”
“These reforms inevitably have short-term impacts that are necessary because we cannot build a modern digital gaming ecosystem on foundations that do not fully meet global integrity and compliance standards,” Tengco said.
Pagcor also expanded support services, including a 24/7 helpline, training for responsible gaming ambassadors, and accredited rehabilitation centers for professional care. In July, Pagcor ordered the removal of gambling ads from public spaces and instituted stricter rules to ensure marketing materials remain socially responsible.
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