The environment for gambling in the Philippines could be about to become more hostile as the Central Bank is eyeing tighter restrictions for players in the country.

A draft circular set out by the bank is aiming to limit the amount of money players could deposit on gambling websites and see the introduction of a 24-hour cool off period following heavy usage. 

The Bangko Sentral Pilipinas’ (BSP) issued circular places an elevated focus on the payment providers when it comes to ensuring player protection is effective in the country. 

When it comes to Online Gambling Payment Service Limitations, the regulator has underlined that PSPs must facilitate the implementation of the new measures.

BSP said: “It is imperative to ensure that digital payment services of payment service providers are not misused for activities that are socially harmful and detrimental to financial health. 

“These regulations establish standards and expectations for PSPs in the provision of online gambling payment services as well as set the enhanced know-your-customer measures to uphold applicable legal prohibitions on access to and participation in online gambling.”

There was also an emphasis on the importance of collaboration between the payment sector and operators when it comes to onboarding and player protection. 

The circular described the PSPs and OPSs concerned as needing to “have prudent acceptance criteria and procedures for the onboarding and monitoring of online gambling operators”. 

“The said criteria and procedures must incorporate the following: a. PSPs and OPSs concerned shall ensure that they engage or partner with OGO that are licensed/authorised by or registered with the appropriate government agency duly empowered by law or its charter to license or authorise entities or business to engage in such activities.”

Signposting must also be adequate when it comes to ensuring the players can see where the safer gambling toolbox is available. 

Feedback on the circular remains welcome until the 25th July, as the country continues to evolve into a new era for its gaming framework. 

PAGCOR backing regulation

PAGCOR recently pushed its support behind stricter regulations in the Philippines but opposed a prohibition on online gaming.

Speaking on DZMM Teleradyo, the regulator’s Chair and CEO, Alejandro Tengco, asserted that “regulation is key” to strengthening his country’s gaming market. PAGCOR’s current [stance] is not a total ban, but stricter regulation,” he said.

Tengco endorsed measures proposed by Sherwin Gatchalian, which include a ban on using e-wallets to fund online betting, a minimum player age of 21, and, to discourage participation by low-income players, a minimum deposit requirement of PHP10,000 (£129).

On Friday (4 July), Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri filed the more aggressive ‘Anti-Online Gambling Act of 2025’, a bill that seeks to implement an outright ban on online gambling.

Zubiro described gambling addiction in the Philippines as a growing “silent epidemic” and claimed: “For as long as gambling is within reach by almost anyone online, this is a social cancer that will continue to fester.”

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