Digital wallet companies instructed to erase links to online gambling platforms within 48 hours, as per BSP directive.
In the Philippines, the landscape of online gambling has undergone a significant shift following the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) directive for e-wallet providers to sever links to gambling applications. This move, enforced from August 15, 2025, has led to a reported decline of up to 50% in online gambling transactions, as per the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
However, the BSP's measure primarily targets direct links and promotional avenues within e-wallet apps like GCash and Maya. It does not prevent the actual use of these platforms for gambling payments if users access gambling sites directly through other means. Consequently, gamblers can still pay using e-wallets by visiting gaming websites independently, meaning the order curbs promotion but not usage/payment.
Despite this enforcement, online gambling remains a major industry in the Philippines, with gross revenues expected to reach P480 billion (Philippine pesos) in 2025. This surge is largely due to casual Filipino players shifting from unregulated to regulated digital platforms, seeking safety and legitimacy.
The Philippine President, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has remained publicly silent about the industry in his 2025 State of the Nation Address, which some interpret as tacit support for maintaining the current regulated framework rather than advancing stricter measures or an outright ban.
Lawmakers, however, are pushing for stricter regulations or bans due to growing gambling participation and social impact. Senator Pia Cayetano, one of the authors of the bills seeking a total ban on online gambling, cited several individuals who committed suicide due to gambling debts. Senator Erwin Tulfo has threatened to cite Deputy Governor Mamerto Tangonan in contempt if e-wallets still have connections to online gambling applications by August 17, 2025.
Despite calls for stronger rules and even more drastic actions, such as the proposed Anti-Online Gambling Act aiming to ban all digital betting, the debate on online gambling regulation in the Philippines continues. The complexities of this issue are evident, as while access and promotion through e-wallets are now more restricted, online gambling remains widespread and economically significant.
