Philippine Lawmakers Weigh Online Gambling’s Future: The Rise of the PlaySafe Alliance
In a significant development amid ongoing discussions about the future of online gaming in the Philippines, a coalition of 19 licensed operators has come together to form the PlaySafe Alliance. This initiative aims to foster responsible gambling practices, enhance player protections, and tackle the challenges posed by illegal platforms.
The formation of the PlaySafe Alliance is a direct response to increasing pressure from anti-gambling activists and lawmakers advocating for the elimination of the gaming sector. Critics argue that the industry disproportionately affects vulnerable demographics, including youth and low-income individuals. They voice concerns that constant access to gambling options could lead to financial distress, emotional turmoil, and even crime.
Mike Defensor, spokesperson for the alliance and president of World Platinum Technologies Inc., acknowledged valid worries about the impacts of gambling but emphasized that the real concern lies with unenforced, unlicensed operations. “The illegal market represents the most significant threat,” Defensor explained. “Without regulation, there are no safeguards. Minors can easily access these games, tax revenues are lost, and public safety is compromised.”
Defensor noted alarming statistics indicating that roughly 70% of online gambling activities occur in the illegal sector, while only 30% operate under regulatory oversight and contribute taxation. He believes that robust regulations and a concentrated effort on legal operators are essential to cultivate a safer, fairer gaming environment.
Collaborative Approaches to Regulation and Education
As reported by the Manila Standard, the PlaySafe Alliance has outlined several commitments:
- Collaborating with regulators to enhance compliance, particularly regarding advertising and marketing.
- Strengthening Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols, including age verification and self-exclusion initiatives.
- Formulating strategies to combat illicit operators.
- Raising public awareness about the distinctions between licensed and unregulated services.
- Investing in research and programs addressing prevention, education, and treatment, including a dedicated national helpline available around the clock.
Eusebio Tanco, chairman of DigiPlus Interactive, emphasized the cooperative nature of the alliance: “This is not a competitive endeavor; it’s a collaborative one. By uniting our efforts, we can improve the security and transparency of online gambling while benefiting both players and the wider community.”
Prospects for the iGaming Sector
Despite the rising calls for stricter regulation, completely banning online gaming appears unlikely. Reports show that the industry generated significant revenue—PHP 114.83 billion (approximately $2 billion) in the first half of 2025, reflecting an 82.7% year-on-year growth. Recognizing the sector’s fiscal contributions, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) opposes a blanket ban.
PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco stated, “Our primary duty lies in ensuring accountability alongside growth." He reinforced the agency’s commitment to balance fostering industry advancement with adherence to responsible gaming principles.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who previously imposed a ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations, favors a more nuanced approach rather than outright prohibition. “A ban will not resolve the underlying issues,” he remarked during a recent visit to India. “A thoughtful response is essential.”
Marcos plans to engage with various stakeholders—including clergy, educators, law enforcement, addiction specialists, and parents—to establish effective guidelines for the industry.
Upcoming Advertising Restrictions
In a related move, PAGCOR recently signed a partnership with the Philippines Ad Standards Council to pre-screen gambling advertisements before they go live. New regulations will also eliminate all gambling ads in public areas and during prime time television slots starting this Friday.
Tengco stated, “These measures form part of our broader mission to ensure the online gambling sector is well-regulated and aligned with public welfare.”
With the PlaySafe Alliance at the forefront, the future of online gaming in the Philippines may focus on a framework that seeks to balance growth with responsibility, paving the way for more secure gambling practices.