Online gambling firms in the Philippines are adopting new tactics to stay accessible despite recent regulatory crackdowns. According to The Philippine Star, operators are migrating from e-wallet integrations to encrypted messaging apps and e-commerce platforms to reach users.
This pivot follows an order from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), requiring digital wallet services like GCash and Maya to sever ties with gambling platforms within 48 hours. While both companies complied, lawmakers say gambling operators are quickly finding workarounds.
BingoPlus Moves to Viber and Lazada
Senator Erwin Tulfo, chair of the Senate committee on games and amusement, said operators such as BingoPlus are now using apps like Viber to keep users connected. The company confirmed in an August 16 advisory that its games remain available via its website, official app, and Viber. It also stated that deposits and withdrawals are still possible through GCash and Maya.
Beyond messaging apps, BingoPlus vouchers have surfaced on e-commerce platforms like Lazada. These can be purchased using bank cards or e-wallets and redeemed for in-game credits, effectively bypassing direct gambling links.
Senate Panel: Industry is Adapting, So Must Regulation
Tulfo praised e-wallet firms for cooperating with the BSP but warned that more robust safeguards are needed to close emerging loopholes. He emphasized that the government and private sector must work together to curb gambling addiction, especially among the youth.
During a Senate hearing on August 14, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center reported shutting down nearly 9,000 illegal gambling sites. It also cited over 11,000 still-active platforms, including online casinos and cockfighting operations. Lawmakers questioned the scope and origin of this data but agreed it signals a pressing issue.
Lawmakers Push for a Ban
Tulfo and several senators expressed a strong preference for a total ban on online gambling. While regulators argue for continued oversight to avoid lost revenues, Tulfo said the industry’s social harms outweigh any financial gain.
“We are not enemies here. We are allies that should work hand in hand to ensure that the next generation of Filipinos are not gambling addicts,” Tulfo said. He called on law enforcement, Pagcor, and the BSP to deliver clear solutions and hinted at growing support within the Senate for a complete shutdown of online gambling services.
The Bottom Line
Despite efforts by regulators, the online gambling landscape in the Philippines is quickly evolving. As platforms shift to less-regulated digital spaces, lawmakers face increasing pressure to respond with faster, more comprehensive controls. Whether that means tighter regulation or a full ban remains a heated debate.
