go through Adrian H. Halili, reporter
Bangkok remote NG piliPinas (BSP) Thursday Ordered all e-wallets (Electronic car), banks and other SUsRemoval of institutions throughout In-app gambling assets, includinging Any links that direct users to the gameWebsite or gambling website.
“In view of the surge in online gambling transactions and their impact on the financial situation of consumers and their families, and taking into account the broader social costs, the central bank said in a statement late Thursday.
The suspension will remain in place until its guidance for online gambling payment services is finalized, BSP said.
BSP Deputy Governor Mamerto E. Tangonan said the financial companies had 48 hours to delete links that redirect users to gambling sites.
“BSP’s monetary committee approved our policy to order the BSP watchdog to cancel and delete all icons and links and redirect them to the online gambling site,” he said at a Senate committee’s online gambling hearing.
In separate statements, Gcash and Maya say they will comply BSP’s instructions are immediately.
Electronic goods such as GCASH and MAYA have integrated services related to gambling to make it easy for users to access online casinos. In recent years, this has helped to drive the popularity of online gambling.
But concerns over gambling addiction and increased debt have prompted lawmakers and regulators to consider banning or restricting online gambling measures in the country.
Senator Alan Peter S. Cajetano (Alan Peter S.
“Why do they need 48 hours? Isn’t it a moment? So, if someone dies in 48 hours because of addiction (online gambling), that’s OK?” said Mr. Cayetano, head of the Senate Committee on Banking and Financial Institutions.
Mr Tangonan said the 48 hours were enough for electronic manual operators to remove all links to online gambling sites.
“Another reason is that once we have already deleted the links in the mobile payment app so that we have time to withdraw their funds from our online gaming accountsTions and websites. ” he added.
Mr Tangonan said the cancellation of links to online gaming sites was an “immediate measure” as BSPs are still finalizing new rules for gambling-related hazards by strengthening financial safeguards across banks, e-ewalters and payment platforms.
“Pushing internal links in mobile apps is an instant measure, and we are finalizing regulations (on the online gaming website),” he said.
Mr Tangonan said that using credit cards to pay online bets will also be banned by the BSP.
The BSP also proposes measures such as biometric ID checks, daily transaction restrictions, time-based payment restrictions, and user tools for spending caps, voluntary rest and self-exclusion.
The central bank said the safeguards were designed to curb addiction, fraud and financial harm while encouraging the use of digital financing.
Update the app’s electronic goods
GCASH says that once they receive their app, they will immediately perform changes to their appfICIAL directive from BSP.
“We share the BSP’s commitmentEnsure digital fiTax services are used responsibly and in a way that protects the Philippines. ” Gcash said.
Maya said the app will be updated according to BSP’s guidance.
“We assure customers that their accounts and transactions remain secure and fully operational. We remain focused on serving our customers while fully complying with regulatory requirements,” Maya said.
Senator Erwin T. Tulfo, who chairs the Olympic and Entertainment Committee, warns that he will cite BSPfIf e-currency still has links to the game website after the 48-hour deadline, please be disdainful.
“Don’t mess with this committee. We have problems and we have a crisis. When you say the deadline is on Saturday, I’ll give you until Sunday. If Sunday morning is still on e-money (game link), we’ll despise you,” Mr. Tulfo said.
Comments-seeking digital Pinoys Group national activist Ronald B. Gustilo said central banks should ensure that all e-income platforms comply with their orders Delete links to the game website.
“Not complying with regulations should be subject to severe penalties, such as suspension or even revocation of permits,” Mr. Gustilo said in his Viber message.
He added: “Ultimately, the protection and well-being of every Philippines should be the highest agenda for any policy or regulation implemented by the government.”
Filomeno S.STA. Economic Reform Action Coordinator ANA III said BSPs should use advanced technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor fraudulent activities related to online gambling.
“Advanced technology that can monitor activity in real time. AI is also a great tool to monitor fraudulent activity patterns,” Mr Sta Ana said in a Viber message.
Mr. Tulfo also called on BSP, the Philippine Entertainment and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) and other government agencies to establish a “simple solution” for online gambling.
He added: “We want a clear and concise solution. We are talking now because most of us want to require regulation due to the revenue we have retained. Starting with the Senate, we tend to ban it because social ills outweigh the income from income,” he added.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos called for extensive consultations involving various sharesThe holder before making a decision.
Pagcor said it is still looking at whether it will impose higher collection rates on licensed game operators.
“Pagcor is talking to (the Ministry of Finance) and we are looking into this possibility,” Pagcor Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco told reporters.
However, Mr Tengco warned that levying higher collection fees could encourage some people to operate illegally.
“Let’s see if we should raise it a little bit to make it closer, or maybe it will backfire, and the illegal (operator) will be More profitable,” he added.
Pagcor collects 30% rate from video game platforms. This is cut from 35% to encourage more illegal gambling operators to register.
According to Pagcor, total gaming revenue (GGR) in the gaming industry rose 26% in the first half of 2025 to 214.75 billion p214.75 billion. This is driven by the video game sector, where total revenue in the sector increased by 53.47% to Phillips 114.83 billion.
Pagcor expects GGR to exceed 480 billion in 2025.
