Licensed iGaming firms in Philippines form alliance
A coalition of 19 licensed online gambling operators in the Philippines has launched the PlaySafe Alliance of the Philippines, an industry group dedicated to promoting responsible gaming, enhancing regulatory compliance, protecting consumers, and combating illegal gambling. The group was formally established during an initialling ceremony at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City.
Founding members include leading licensees under the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), among them DigiPlus Interactive Corp. (BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, GameZone), World Platinum Technologies Inc. (KingPH, LuckyPH, QueenPH), Trojans Well Entertainment Corp. (Bet88), Gavin Ventures Inc. (OKBet), Playmate Leisure Solutions Corp. (PlayTime), Stotsenberg Leisure Park & Hotel Corp. (Casino Plus, Perya Plus), Jade Entertainment and Gaming Technologies Inc. (Jade Sportsbet), Meta Interactive Software Solutions Inc. (123Go), and Enigma Software Solutions Inc. (Patokbet).
The launch comes as the government, lawmakers, and regulators debate the future of online gambling in the country, including calls from some senators for an outright ban.
‘The real enemy is illegal gambling’
Mike Defensor, spokesperson for the PlaySafe Alliance and president of World Platinum Technologies Inc., stressed that unlicensed operators pose the greatest risk. “The real enemy when it comes to online gambling is the illegal market. No licence, no control—minors can play, no taxes are paid, and there is no compliance with rules,” he said in Filipino.
“It is estimated that 70 percent of the online gambling market is illegal, while only 30 percent is legal, follows regulations, and pays taxes to the government. That is why strict regulation and close monitoring of legal operators are important to ensure safe, responsible, and fair play for all,” Defensor added.
Mandate and objectives
According to the group, the PlaySafe Alliance’s early initiatives will focus on partnering with PAGCOR to improve oversight and compliance, particularly in marketing and advertising; implementing stricter age verification, Know-Your-Customer (KYC) checks, and self-exclusion systems; helping authorities deter and disrupt illegal operators; running public awareness campaigns on the risks of unregulated gambling; and funding nationwide research, education, prevention, and treatment programmes for gambling harm, including a 24/7 national helpline.
“This alliance is not about competition—it’s about collaboration,” Eusebio Tanco, founding member and chairman of DigiPlus Interactive Corp, said. “By working as one, we can ensure that online gambling in the Philippines will be more secure, transparent, and beneficial to both players and the nation.”
The group said it will soon elect officers, form strategic committees for areas such as player protection and financial risk control, and appoint an independent advisory panel of local and international experts.
Broad membership and open invitation
Additional founding members include Arden Consult, GoTech Entertainment Inc. (Filbet), IGO Digital High Technology Inc. (iGO, PremyoFun), NEMO Interactive Group Corp. (Fairplay, Arionplay), Nextstage Entertainment Inc. (ANIBET), RAC Phil Corp. (LakiWin), Silver Goose 8 International Inc. (SG8), Skyline Nexus Corp. (Juan365), Webzoid System Solutions Corp. (Go Play Asia), and Xn Solutions Inc. (MegaPerya). The alliance has invited other licensed operators to join.
Government urges caution on gambling ban
The Marcos administration has earlier urged caution on proposals to ban online gambling outright. Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said such a move must be “studied carefully” to assess economic and social impact.
“If we immediately remove online gambling, licensed operators will be affected, and we must ask if this will reduce the assistance being given to the country, students, and citizens,” she said. “The President cannot act in haste here.”
She also noted the need to determine the source of gambling addiction before any policy decision is made. “We must first know where the problem lies—whether it is in the licence, the app, or unlicensed operations. We need to know where our people are getting addicted,” she added.
Senate bills seek prohibition; industry leaders warn of risks
Senators Pia Cayetano, Allan Cayetano, and Joel Villanueva have filed bills seeking prohibition, citing addiction and social costs. Industry consultant Marie Antonette Quiogue, founder of Arden Consult, has warned that banning online gambling could drive it underground. She reiterated that “the real enemy is illegal gambling—operations that bypass regulation, pay no taxes, and offer no player protections.” She proposed stronger enforcement measures such as website blocking, domain seizures, and stricter controls for affiliates and influencers.
