DigiPlus backs online gaming rules, warns against total ban???
As lawmakers in the Philippines intensify their scrutiny of online gambling, DigiPlus Interactive Corp. has declared its firm support for “smart, balanced regulation” that ensures player protection, upholds industry standards, and sustains the economic value of legal platforms.
“We believe regulation is the path to player protection. It’s the only way to safeguard players, preserve jobs, and close the door on illegal, underground platforms that operate without any oversight,” Eusebio Tanco, DigiPlus Chairman, said in a statement. The firm, which operates the Philippines’ online gaming platforms BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, has stated that many of the protections being pushed by lawmakers and advocacy groups are already in place across its ecosystem.
“All users undergo strict Know-Your-Customer (KYC) verification, including government ID checks and age gating,” the company said. “Responsible gaming features, such as deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and cooling-off periods, have been readily accessible since November 2024.”
New safeguards to launch in July
DigiPlus also announced the rollout of new tools designed to enhance player protection. These include enhanced affordability checks, behavioural nudges to reduce excessive play, and referrals to licensed mental health professionals.
“In July 2025, the company will also launch in-app community spaces to engage players in responsible gaming conversations and peer support,” the statement said. The company said responsible gaming content is now “featured more prominently than ever, not as fine print, but as part of the core user experience.”
Revising ads, promoting digital responsibility
DigiPlus also emphasised its compliance with advertising rules, particularly in light of new guidance from government regulators and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
“Its internal marketing mandate prohibits targeting minors, avoids depictions of wealth or urgency, and excludes messaging that could be construed as predatory,” the company said. It has also partnered with non-government organisations (NGOs) and civil society organisations to promote financial literacy and digital responsibility among users.
“These measures are not reactions to regulatory pressure, but part of a multi-year strategy to build a responsible gaming ecosystem,” DigiPlus added.
Shares plunge as ban talk escalates
DigiPlus issued its statement as its shares recorded their second-largest one-day drop, falling 20.4 percent to Php27.90 on Wednesday. This follows a 23.9 percent fall on 4 July, as speculation intensified that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr might impose a total ban on online gambling in response to mounting political pressure.
DigiPlus warned that a total ban would likely worsen the problems regulators seek to address.
“The experience of other countries has shown that banning licensed platforms does not eliminate demand for online gaming but merely shifts users to unregulated black markets where there are no protections, no taxes, and no accountability,” the company said. “In contrast, a well-regulated environment can protect players, generate billions in government revenue, and sustain over 40,000 jobs across tech, marketing, entertainment, customer service, and compliance.”
Call for cooperation and transparency
The company reiterated its openness to working with all stakeholders to ensure online gaming in the Philippines is safe and transparent. “We are ready to work hand-in-hand with regulators, legislators, and community groups to make that vision real,” Tanco said.
“As a homegrown company listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange and now expanding into global markets, DigiPlus stands ready to be part of the solution: protecting consumers, upholding public trust, and sustaining responsible innovation,” DigiPlus concluded.
