Tighter online gaming regulation backed

As momentum builds for tighter controls on online gaming, DigiPlus Interactive Corp., a leading digital entertainment company in the Philippines, voiced its strong support for "smart, balanced regulation."

The company stressed that such an approach would protect players, ensure industry accountability, and sustain the economic value generated by the legal online gaming sector.

"We believe regulation is the path to player protection," said DigiPlus chairperson Eusebio Tanco. "It’s the only way to safeguard players, preserve jobs, and close the door on illegal, underground platforms that operate without any oversight."

DigiPlus, which operates platforms like BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, stated that many proposed safeguards are already integrated into its systems. All users undergo strict Know-Your-Customer (KYC) verification, including government ID checks and age gating.

Responsible gaming features such as deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and cooling-off periods have been available since November 2024.

The company is also rolling out new initiatives, including enhanced affordability checks, behavioral nudges to curb excessive gaming, and referral pathways to licensed mental health experts.

In July 2025, DigiPlus plans to launch in-app community spaces to foster responsible gaming conversations and peer support. Responsible gaming content is now prominently featured across all its platforms, integrated into the core user experience rather than relegated to fine print.

DigiPlus also said its compliance with existing advertising restrictions and is revising its promotional strategies based on new government guidance. The company's internal marketing mandate prohibits targeting minors, avoids depicting excessive wealth or urgency, and excludes predatory messaging.

Additionally, it has partnered with non-governmental organizations and civil society groups to promote financial literacy and digital responsibility among players, exceeding current legal requirements.

The company stressed that these measures are part of a multi-year strategy to build a responsible gaming ecosystem, not merely reactions to regulatory pressure as it invests in data science, player support systems, and compliance technologies, asserting that the future of gaming depends on trust and transparency.

It also fully supports updated legislation, particularly concerning stronger penalties for illegal operators and clearer advertising standards.

Meantime, the company urged policymakers to consider the consequences of a total ban on licensed platforms, citing the experience of other countries where such bans have driven users to unregulated black markets lacking protections, taxes, and accountability.

In contrast, the company argued that a well-regulated environment can protect players, generate billions in government revenue, and sustain over 40,000 jobs across various sectors, including tech, marketing, entertainment, customer service, and compliance.

"With the right rules in place, the Philippines can be a model for safe, transparent online gaming in Asia," Tanco said. "We are ready to work hand-in-hand with regulators, legislators, and community groups to make that vision real."