DigiPlus warns of job loss amid online gaming crackdown

DigiPlus Interactive Corp., operator of BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, has warned that a sweeping crackdown on online gaming could put thousands of Filipino jobs at risk, as proposals targeting the sector gain ground in Congress.

The company on Wednesday said a total ban would immediately threaten over 3,000 direct jobs and around 50,000 others across its online gaming ecosystem, including IT professionals, call center agents, cybersecurity experts, and service staff.

As such, DigiPlus urged lawmakers to pursue fair, fact-based dialogue, cautioning that a blanket ban could push players toward illegal, unregulated platforms and wipe out legitimate employment across the industry.

“We are open to evolving and improving wherever needed. If there are new standards to meet, or better ways to protect players, we will act swiftly and responsibly,” DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio Tanco said.

“But please, do not condemn an industry, and the 50,000 Filipino families who rely on it, without hearing the facts first. Tell us what more we must do. And we will do it without hesitation. Just grant us the fairness owed to any lawful Filipino enterprise,” he added.

DigiPlus pointed out that licensed operators are being unfairly lumped with illegal ones that disregard regulations. 

It noted that its platforms have enforced Know-Your-Customer protocols, mandatory age verification, self-exclusion tools, and responsible gaming reminders since November 2024.

Likewise, it also stressed that its operations remain compliant with standards set by the government and other regulators, with all revenues taxed, audited, and remitted to government programs such as healthcare, infrastructure, and disaster relief.

DigiPlus also described the current policy climate “feels less like regulation and more like retribution.”

“We are not asking for special treatment. We are simply asking to be judged by our actions, not by perception, nor by association with those who break the law. Regulation works best when it uplifts what is working, not when it dismantles it," Tanco said.