PAGCOR-licensed online gambling operators unite amid industry review

A coalition of Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation-licensed online gambling operators announced the formation of the PlaySafe Alliance of the Philippines, an industry association dedicated to responsible gaming, consumer protection, and combating illegal gambling.

The founding organizations, including major operators like DigiPlus Interactive Corp. and Gavin Ventures Inc. (OKBet), formalized the alliance during a signing ceremony at the Ascott Bonifacio Global City. The initiative comes as the country debates the future of its online gambling sector.

Mike Defensor, the newly appointed spokesperson for the alliance and president of World Platinum Technologies Inc., stressed that the group's primary adversary is the unlicensed market. He stated that approximately 70 percent of the online gambling market is illegal, operating without regulatory oversight, tax payments, or safeguards to prevent minors from playing.

“This alliance is not about competition — it’s about collaboration,” said Eusebio Tanco, a founding member and chairman of DigiPlus Interactive Corp. He added that by working together, the group aims to make online gambling in the Philippines more secure and transparent for players and the nation.

In its initial phase, the alliance plans to focus on several key areas. It will partner with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to improve industry oversight, strengthen responsible gaming measures through robust age verification and self-exclusion programs, and launch initiatives to deter illegal operators.

The group also intends to start public awareness campaigns on safer gambling and invest in research, education, prevention, and treatment programs for online gambling addiction, including a 24/7 national gambling helpline.

The PlaySafe Alliance will soon elect its officers and establish strategic committees to work on player protection, advertising governance, and combating illegal gambling. The founders also announced plans to appoint an independent advisory panel of experts to provide guidance on responsible gaming, public health, and consumer advocacy.

In addition to DigiPlus Interactive Corp., other founding members include World Platinum Technologies Inc., Trojans Well Entertainment Corp., Gavin Ventures Inc., Playmate Leisure Solutions Corp., Stotsenberg Leisure Park & Hotel Corp., Jade Entertainment and Gaming Technologies Inc., Meta Interactive Software Solutions Inc., and Enigma Software Solutions Inc. The alliance also includes Arden Consult, GoTech Entertainment Inc., IGO Digital High Technology Inc., NEMO Interactive Group Corporation, Nextstage Entertainment Inc., RAC Phil Corp., Silver Goose 8 International Inc., Skyline Nexus Corporation, Webzoid System Solutions Corporation and Xn Solutions Inc.