Archive · 14 Aug 2025
Philippines Orders E-Wallets to Remove Online Gambling Links
The Philippines' central bank has told payment apps and e-wallets to stop linking to online gambling sites.
This means if you use apps like GCash, you won't be able to easily get to these gambling sites anymore.
The government is worried about people getting into debt or becoming addicted to gambling.
Some companies that run these gambling sites are still making a lot of money.
Lawmakers are now discussing whether to limit or completely ban online gambling.
The central bank wants to help control this growing industry and protect people from potential harm.
Philippine central bank mandates removal of online gambling links from e-wallets and payment apps.
Financial institutions must comply within 48 hours of the order.
The move follows concerns about online gambling's impact, including debt and addiction.
DigiPlus Interactive Corp., a major online gaming company, reported strong profit growth.
Senators are considering restricting or banning online gambling amid debates.
- Who
- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Philippine central bank) and financial institutions, including e-wallets.
- What
- Philippine central bank ordered e-wallets and payment apps to remove online gambling links.
- When
- The order was issued on Thursday, with compliance required within 48 hours.
- Where
- The Philippines.
- Why
- To address concerns about debt, addiction, and the rapid growth of the online gambling industry.
Those Favoring Restrictions/Bans
Those in Favor of Online Gambling
Addressing Social Impact
Those Favoring Restrictions/Bans
Proponents want to reduce debt and addiction.
Those in Favor of Online Gambling
N/A
Legislative Measures
Those Favoring Restrictions/Bans
Some want to restrict or ban the industry.
Those in Favor of Online Gambling
N/A
- Order Issuer
- Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Philippine central bank)
- Affected Entities
- Mobile wallets, payment applications, and other supervised institutions
- Compliance Deadline
- 48 hours
- Online Gaming Company
- DigiPlus Interactive Corp.
- DigiPlus Q2 Profit Increase
- 30%
- DigiPlus First Half Net Income Increase
- 61%
- GCash Valuation
- $5 billion