DigiPlus calls on lawmakers to rethink total online gambling ban

DigiPlus Interactive Corporation—the company behind popular online games BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone—called on lawmakers to rethink moves to legislate a total ban on online gambling, backing tighter rules to ensure the protection of players.

In a statement on Wednesday, DigiPlus expressed support for “smart, balanced regulation that protects players, ensures industry accountability, and sustains the economic value generated by the legal online gaming sector” as calls mount for stricter controls on online gambling.

“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. 

With this, the online games company urged policymakers “to weigh the consequences of a total ban,” saying that 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.”

DigiPlus further said that 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,” said Tanco.

“We are ready to work hand-in-hand with regulators, legislators, and community groups to make that vision real,” added the DigiPlus chairman.

DigiPlus said it has consistently aligned with the principles being raised by lawmakers and advocacy groups, adding that many of the proposed safeguards are already embedded across its platforms. 

It said that 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, the company said.

DigiPlus said it is rolling out a new wave of initiatives, which would include enhanced affordability checks, behavioral nudges to curb excessive gaming, and referral pathways to licensed mental health experts. 

This month, the company said it will launch an in-app community spaces to engage players in responsible gaming conversations and peer support. 

DigiPlus said it complies with existing advertising restrictions and is actively revising its promotional strategies in light of new government guidance. 

Moreover, it said that its internal marketing mandate prohibits targeting minors, avoids depictions of wealth or urgency, and excludes messaging that could be construed as predatory. 

DigiPlus said its existing safeguards are not reactions to regulatory pressure, but part of a multi-year strategy to build a responsible gaming ecosystem. 

The company added that it invests in data science, player support systems, and compliance technologies.

DigiPlus said it fully supports updated legislation, particularly around stronger penalties for illegal operators, and clearer advertising standards. — BM, GMA Integrated News