Content Writer: Janice Chew • Thursday, 25/09/2025 - 17:48:27 - PM
DigiPlus Interactive Corp., which operates the BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone platforms, has partnered with Philippine First Insurance Co. (PhilFirst) to introduce what it claims is the country’s first surety bond programme that protects online gaming players’ balances. Under the programme, eligible players are safeguarded for up to PHP 1 million (~US$17,500) per player. The protection takes effect immediately and does not require customers to purchase a separate policy.
To qualify for this protection, players must satisfy a few conditions: their electronic Know-Your-Customer (eKYC) information must be up to date, they must have made at least one successful deposit, and they must remain in “good standing” under the platform’s rules. These safeguards are meant to prevent misuse, fraud, or other circumstances where the protection might be invoked unfairly or where the platform needs to ensure identity and compliance.
Eusebio H. Tanco, Chairman of DigiPlus, emphasised the significance of this introduction. As he put it:
“DigiPlus is proud to be the first in the industry to roll out this level of consumer protection. We are committed to putting our players first. With this surety bond, they can play confidently on BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone knowing that their funds are safeguarded.”
From the company’s perspective, this move helps build trust and differentiate its licensed operations from illegal or unregulated competitors. In recent months, DigiPlus has also highlighted other protection-oriented features such as 24/7 customer support and over 130 physical BingoPlus outlets across the country. The surety bond adds a financial backstop to players’ electronic wallets — a tangible protection in case of operator default or other failures.
The timing of the programme is relevant. The Philippines’ eGames sector is under increased regulatory scrutiny: there are calls in the Senate for tighter restrictions on online gambling, proposals for banning certain practices, and concerns over social impacts. Meanwhile, the regulator PAGCOR has taken steps such as restricting advertising in certain times or locations, and directing e-wallet providers to remove direct links to online gambling platforms. DigiPlus’s initiative can be seen as pre-emptive — positioning itself as a responsible operator in advance of stricter regulatory requirements.
Finally, beyond compliance, there is a business case: trust breeds customer confidence, retention, and potentially attracts users wary of risk. For an industry where illegal operators often thrive by evading regulation and protections, offering such a surety bond may help licensed operators win market share. It also sends signals to policy makers, financial institutions, and regulators that DigiPlus is willing to raise standards. In short, this is not just an insurance move — it’s a strategic positioning for long-term stability and growth.