Ongoing legislative pressure in the Philippines is sending shockwaves through the region’s online gaming industry, raising investor concerns and unsettling the business landscape for gaming-related technology firms. As lawmakers push forward with a range of bills to restrict or outright ban online gambling, publicly traded companies like DigiPlus Interactive Corp. are experiencing sharp stock fluctuations amid growing regulatory uncertainty.
One of the most controversial proposals—the Anti-Online Gambling Act of 2025—seeks to ban digital gambling platforms altogether. Other initiatives aim to curb the industry by limiting e-wallet transactions, increasing Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements, and enforcing minimum deposit thresholds of PHP10,000 (approx. USD180). These potential changes could significantly disrupt operations for fintech startups and digital gaming service providers heavily reliant on flexible, high-volume transactions.
In response, PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation) issued a public statement clarifying its position: the agency does not define the country’s legal stance, but pledges to enforce “any and all” regulations approved by the legislature and signed into law.
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To restore balance and credibility to the sector, PAGCOR has proposed a more structured regulatory framework. These include:
- A centralized licensing system for online gaming operators.
- Mandatory integration with national ID and KYC systems.
- Real-time data sharing with anti-money laundering bodies.
- Stricter vetting and audit processes for payment gateways and digital wallets.
Analysts warn that uncertainty alone could stifle innovation and deter international partnerships in one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic gaming markets. As the government seeks to weed out illegal operators, the lack of legal clarity continues to cast a shadow over both legitimate tech ventures and the sector’s long-term viability.
