DigiPlus Opposes Total Online Gambling Ban, Calls for Stronger Player Protection Through Regulation

By Jenny Ortiz-Bolivar | Translated by Siyu He

As Philippine lawmakers intensify scrutiny over online gambling, DigiPlus Interactive Corp. has voiced its clear support for “balanced and sensible regulation” rather than sweeping prohibitions. The company emphasized that regulatory oversight is essential to safeguard consumers, uphold industry integrity, and preserve the economic value of licensed platforms.

Regulation Over Prohibition

“We believe that regulation is the key to player protection,” said DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio Tanco in a public statement. “It protects users, sustains employment, and shuts the door on illegal underground networks.”

DigiPlus, which operates popular platforms such as BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, noted that many of the safeguards being proposed by lawmakers and advocacy groups are already integrated into its ecosystem. The company has implemented strict Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, government ID checks, and age restrictions across all its platforms.

Since November 2024, DigiPlus has also offered responsible gambling features like deposit limits, self-exclusion tools, and cooling-off periods to help users control their gaming habits.

New Measures to Launch in July

To further strengthen player protections, DigiPlus plans to introduce additional tools in July 2025. These include:

• Enhanced affordability checks,
• Behavioral alerts to identify excessive gambling,
• Referral services to licensed mental health professionals.

The company also announced the rollout of an in-app community space where players can engage in conversations about responsible gambling and receive peer support. “Responsible gaming content is now more visible than ever,” the statement reads. “It’s no longer an afterthought—it’s at the heart of the user experience.”

Marketing Guidelines and Digital Literacy

DigiPlus stressed its commitment to ethical advertising, fully aligning with new guidelines issued by Philippine regulators and PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation).

“Our internal marketing policy prohibits targeting minors, avoids portraying gambling as a path to instant wealth, and excludes any messaging that could be considered predatory,” the company said. It is also collaborating with NGOs and community organizations to promote financial literacy and digital responsibility among its user base.

“These actions are not reactive—they are part of a long-term strategy to build a sustainable responsible gambling ecosystem,” the statement clarified.

Market Reaction and Policy Rumors

Despite the company’s proactive stance, DigiPlus shares fell sharply—dropping 20.4% to PHP 27.90 on Wednesday, marking the second-largest single-day loss in its history. This followed a previous 23.9% plunge on July 4, sparked by rumors that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. might consider a nationwide ban on online gambling due to political pressure.

DigiPlus warned that a blanket ban could worsen the very problems regulators seek to address.

“International experience shows that banning licensed platforms doesn’t eliminate demand for online gambling—it simply drives users to unregulated black markets where there are no safeguards, no taxes, and no accountability,” the company said. “A well-regulated environment, on the other hand, protects consumers, generates billions in government revenue, and sustains over 40,000 jobs across tech, marketing, customer service, entertainment, and compliance sectors.”

Commitment to Collaboration and Transparency

Reaffirming its willingness to work with all stakeholders, DigiPlus expressed readiness to cooperate with regulators, legislators, and community organizations to ensure a safer and more transparent online gambling industry in the Philippines.