DigiPlus Backs Stricter Online Gambling Regulation

DigiPlus Interactive Corp., the Philippines’ leading digital entertainment company, has announced its strong support for smart, balanced online gambling regulation that protects players, ensures industry accountability and sustains the economic value generated by the legal online gaming sector.

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

As the operator behind leading online gaming platforms such as BingoPlus, ArenaPlus and GameZone, DigiPlus has consistently aligned with the principles being raised by lawmakers and advocacy groups. In fact, many of the proposed safeguards are already embedded across its platforms. 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 readily accessible since November 2024.

Beyond existing tools, DigiPlus is rolling out a new wave of initiatives. These include enhanced affordability checks, behavioural nudges to curb excessive gaming, and referral pathways to licensed mental health experts. In July 2025, the company will also launch in-app community spaces to engage players in responsible gaming conversations and peer support. Across all its platforms, responsible gaming content is now featured more prominently than ever, not as fine print, but as part of the core user experience.

The company also complies with existing advertising restrictions and is actively revising its promotional strategies in light of new government guidance. Its internal marketing mandate prohibits targeting minors, avoids depictions of wealth or urgency and excludes messaging that could be construed as predatory. DigiPlus has also partnered with NGOs and civil society organisations to promote financial literacy and digital responsibility among players, efforts that go beyond what is required under current law.

DigiPlus emphasizes that these measures are not reactions to regulatory pressure, but part of a multi-year strategy to build a responsible gaming ecosystem. The company invests in data science, player support systems and compliance technologies precisely because it believes the future of gaming depends on trust and transparency. That is why it fully supports updated legislation, particularly around stronger penalties for illegal operators, and clearer advertising standards.

Crucially, DigiPlus urges policymakers to weigh the consequences of a total ban. The experience of other countries has shown that banning licensed platforms does not eliminate demand for online gaming, but merely shifts users to unregulated black markets where there are no protections, no taxes and no accountability. In contrast, a well-regulated environment can protect players, generate billions in government revenue and sustain over 40,000 jobs across 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. We are ready to work hand-in-hand with regulators, legislators, and community groups to make that vision real,” Tanco said.