DFNN backs responsible gaming reforms

DFNN, Inc., a listed technology provider for the Philippine gaming sector, has voiced support for proposed reforms in the country's online gambling regulations, while urging lawmakers to apply these changes in a calibrated and sector-sensitive manner.

In a statement released on 7 July, amid renewed public and legislative scrutiny of the gaming industry, DFNN acknowledged the rationale behind a Senate bill filed by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian seeking to tighten online gambling rules. The bill proposes to raise the legal gambling age from 18 to 21, increase the minimum cash-in requirement to P10,000, and set a minimum top-up amount of P5,000.

“These proposed changes aim to enhance consumer protection and mitigate propagating problematic gambling habits, objectives which DFNN fully supports,” the company said.

However, the firm stressed the need to distinguish between purely digital gambling platforms and licensed, land-based outlets such as those under its subsidiary IEST, Inc.

“Our gaming network, composed of licensed, physical outlets nationwide, operates under close regulatory supervision and adheres to strict compliance standards, including but not limited to robust face-to-face KYC protocols, national ID-grade facial recognition, and enforcement of the minimum legal age of 21 as set by PAGCOR,” the company explained.

DFNN said these community-based locations offer secure and supervised environments for responsible gaming, while also delivering economic benefits such as employment, local business engagement, and government revenues.

The company cautioned that broad-brush regulations that fail to reflect the operational diversity of the industry might inadvertently drive casual or lower-income gamblers toward unregulated or offshore platforms that lack safeguards.

“Well-intended restrictions, if not carefully calibrated across distinct gaming formats, may unintentionally create incentives for certain segments of the population, particularly casual or lower-income players, to seek alternatives from unlicensed or offshore platforms,” DFNN warned.

The firm said it sees an opportunity to strike a balance that promotes social accountability while preserving the competitiveness of compliant domestic operators.

“DFNN remains committed to working closely with our regulators, platform partners, and legislators to ensure that all evolving policies are implemented in a way that reinforces shared goals, promoting responsible gaming, safeguarding the public, and advancing inclusive economic development,” it concluded.