Philippines-based authorized gambling entities unite under the banner of PlaySafe Alliance
In the heart of Southeast Asia, the Philippines is currently embroiled in a heated debate about the future of online gambling. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has shown resistance to an outright ban on online gambling, arguing that such a move could drive consumers to offshore markets [1].
Amidst this ongoing discussion, a new trade group, the PlaySafe Alliance, has emerged. This alliance consists of 19 licensed online gambling operators in the Philippines, including Trojans Well Entertainment Corp, Gavin Ventures Inc, Playmate Leisure Solutions Corp, and Jade Entertainment and Gaming Technologies Inc [2]. The PlaySafe Alliance seeks to demonstrate that a ban on online gambling would be an overreaching and unnecessary measure, advocating instead for a more pragmatic approach to regulating the online gambling market [3].
The central bank of the Philippines is also calling for stricter oversight of transactions related to gambling platforms [4]. Financial institutions and operators in the Philippines are looking to raise standards of consumer protection, with the PlaySafe Alliance advocating for setting rules and suggesting next steps to help protect consumers in the online gambling industry [5].
The Philippine government regulates online gambling primarily through the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), a state-owned enterprise that operates casinos and licenses online gambling operators, including Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) [6]. PAGCOR also oversees responsible gaming practices such as its Code of Practice for Responsible Gaming [6]. The government's stance is to maintain regulation and licensing of online gambling while combating illegal operations and money laundering through collaboration with agencies like the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), which has been recognized internationally for its work in dismantling criminal networks linked to POGOs [6][5].
Regarding responsible gaming, the PlaySafe Alliance's formation reflects a growing commitment among stakeholders to promote safer gambling environments. While the alliance's specific policies are yet to be detailed, the existence of such a body indicates an increased collaboration between regulatory bodies, industry players, and advocacy groups to reinforce responsible gaming principles and consumer protections in the Philippine iGaming sector.
Meanwhile, some lawmakers and the Catholic Church of the Philippines support a ban on online gambling, likening it to a "plague epidemic" and urging the government to address its social harms [1]. However, the regulatory trend seems to be moving towards strengthening rules around gambling advertisements and online gambling operations to protect consumers [3].
In summary, the Philippine government's stance combines regulated licensing with measures to ensure public safety and responsible gaming, increasingly reinforced through partnerships like the PlaySafe Alliance. The future of online gambling in the Philippines remains a topic of active debate, but one thing is clear: the industry is evolving, and the focus is shifting towards consumer protection and responsible gaming practices.
References:
[1] Rappler. (2025, June 1). CBCP urges gov't to address social harms of online gambling. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/nation/308427-cbcp-urges-govt-to-address-social-harms-of-online-gambling
[2] Inquirer.net. (2025, May 15). PlaySafe Alliance formed to push for responsible gambling. Inquirer.net. https://business.inquirer.net/322913/playsafe-alliance-formed-to-push-for-responsible-gambling
[3] Manila Bulletin. (2025, June 8). PlaySafe Alliance advocates for regulated online gambling in the Philippines. Manila Bulletin. https://business.mb.com.ph/2025/06/08/playsafe-alliance-advocates-for-regulated-online-gambling-in-the-philippines/
[4] Philippine Daily Inquirer. (2025, May 20). BSP eyes stricter oversight of online gambling industry. Philippine Daily Inquirer. https://business.inquirer.net/322814/bsp-eyes-stricter-oversight-of-online-gambling-industry
[5] AMLC. (2021, December 15). AMLC secures over PHP 1 billion in assets from POGOs. AMLC. https://www.amlc.gov.ph/amlc-secures-over-php-1-billion-in-assets-from-pogos/
[6] PAGCOR. (n.d.). Code of Practice for Responsible Gaming. PAGCOR. https://www.pagcor.gov.ph/code-of-practice-for-responsible-gaming/
- The PlaySafe Alliance, a group of licensed online gambling operators in the Philippines, such as Trojans Well Entertainment Corp, Gavin Ventures Inc, and Jade Entertainment and Gaming Technologies Inc, are advocating for a more pragmatic approach to regulating online gambling, arguing that an outright ban would be overreaching and unnecessary.
- Financial institutions and operators in the Philippines, supported by the PlaySafe Alliance, are looking to raise standards of consumer protection by setting rules and suggesting steps to protect consumers in the online gambling industry.
- The central bank of the Philippines is calling for stricter oversight of transactions related to gambling platforms, signaling a shift towards increased regulation in the casino-and-gambling sector of the country's business and finance.
