The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has instructed digital wallet platforms to take down in-app links leading to online gambling platforms, granting them 48 hours to comply. Deputy Governor Mamerto Tangonan confirmed the order during a Senate hearing on illegal gambling, explaining that BSP-supervised financial institutions (BSFIs) had been given two days to erase the links from mobile applications and websites.
According to Tangonan, the grace period was meant to allow operators to make the technical changes and give users a chance to withdraw any funds still stored in gambling accounts before access through e-wallets was cut off. “We provided 48 hours to give time to BSFIs to take down those in-app links or icons to online gambling sites. The other reason is to give consumers time to withdraw their funds from the online gaming accounts (before access is cut off from e-wallet apps),” he said.
Senators Question Timing and Scope of Action
The timing of the directive sparked criticism from lawmakers, with Senator Alan Peter Cayetano pointing out that the order was only issued on the same day as the Senate inquiry. “You circulated a proposal to e-wallets and you waited for their reply, and you only gave the order today? Is it because we have a hearing today?” Cayetano asked. He further argued that the BSP lacked “political will” to enforce a more decisive delinking of payment services from gambling sites.
Cayetano also objected to the 48-hour window, stressing that addiction can take root quickly. “If someone dies within 48 hours because they got addicted, is it okay? Or is it profit lost?” he said.
Senator Erwin Tulfo, who leads the Senate games and amusements committee, echoed concerns, warning he would cite Tangonan in contempt if gambling remained accessible through e-wallets beyond the given period. “The committee is serious — we have a problem, we have a crisis,” Tulfo remarked. He added that by Sunday morning, online gambling links should no longer be visible in any digital wallet applications.
Senator Risa Hontiveros raised the possibility of prohibiting e-wallet firms from maintaining accounts with online gambling operators entirely, while Senator Sherwin Gatchalian called for stricter measures to prevent banks and wallets from being linked to any gambling platforms, regardless of their legal status.
Operators Seek Alternatives as Restrictions Grow
Even as the BSP enforced its order, online gambling operators began shifting tactics. Tulfo noted that companies were migrating to encrypted messaging services and e-commerce platforms to continue reaching Filipino players. He cited BingoPlus, which informed its users that its games would still be accessible through its app, website, and Viber, while deposits and withdrawals could still be processed using GCash and Maya.
In addition, BingoPlus vouchers were reported to be available on e-commerce platforms like Lazada, enabling payments through e-wallets and bank cards that could then be redeemed for gaming credits. Tulfo acknowledged that e-wallet firms were cooperating but warned that loopholes such as these must be addressed through broader solutions. He urged collaboration between regulators and businesses to ensure that restrictions are not easily bypassed.
E-Wallets Commit to Compliance Amid Growing Gambling Concerns
GCash and Maya, the country’s largest e-wallet providers, announced their compliance with the BSP’s order. Maya said the update to its system would be rolled out in line with the regulator’s directive, assuring customers that accounts and transactions would remain secure. “We remain focused on serving our customers while fully complying with regulatory requirements,” the company said.
GCash likewise confirmed its support for the move, stating, “We share the BSP’s commitment to ensuring that digital financial services are used responsibly and in ways that protect the welfare of Filipinos. Once we receive the official directive, we will immediately enforce the necessary changes to ensure compliance and safeguard our users.”
Rising Gambling Numbers Alarm Lawmakers
The urgency of the Senate’s push stems from a rapid surge in gambling participation. Gatchalian presented data from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) showing that as of January to May 2025, there were more than 32.1 million electronic gaming players, a 291 percent rise from 8.2 million in 2024. The figures reveal a sharp climb since the pandemic: 482,000 players in 2020, 767,000 in 2021, 1.44 million in 2022, and 2.44 million in 2023.
Lawmakers voiced alarm at the pace of growth, emphasizing the social and financial risks. Tulfo summed up the prevailing sentiment, saying the Senate is leaning toward a total ban. “From the Senate’s end, we are inclined to ban it because social ills outweigh the income benefits. If you ask us, we want to stop online gambling right here, right now. But we will hear every side,” he said.
As hearings continue, senators insist that piecemeal solutions will not be enough. With operators adapting through encrypted apps and e-commerce vouchers, policymakers are calling for stronger enforcement and comprehensive regulation to address what they view as an escalating national crisis.
Source:
“BSP orders e-wallets to remove online gambling links“, philstar.com, August 15, 2025
