Content Writer: Janice Chew • Wednesday, 25/07/2025 - 23:52:02 - PM
The Philippines finds itself at a pivotal moment in the evolution of its online gaming industry, with recent reports warning that up to 50,000 jobs could vanish if lawmakers legislate a total ban on legal online gambling. According to Philstar, projections indicate massive economic and social fallout unless a balanced approach is adopted.
At the heart of the issue stands DigiPlus Interactive Corp., the parent company behind popular platforms like BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone. In a statement shared by BusinessMirror, DigiPlus chairman Eusebio H. Tanco appealed directly to policymakers: “If there are new standards to meet, or better ways to protect players, we will act swiftly and responsibly. But please, do not condemn an industry, and the 50,000 Filipino families who rely on it, without hearing the facts first”.
Under a stricter regime—or complete prohibition—concerns are mounting that Filipino job seekers working in IT, cybersecurity, software development, multimedia arts, call centers, security, and even housekeeping would bear the brunt. DigiPlus warns that apart from these direct jobs, thousands of ancillary roles would be jeopardized.
Opponents of a ban argue that outlawing regulated platforms will only shift players and revenue into the unsupervised shadows. Mary Kathryn “Karry” Sison, a spokesperson for BK3 Convenor, reinforced this position: “Banning regulated platforms does not remove the risk—it just shifts it somewhere harder to see and harder to control”.
This debate emerges amidst broader legal initiatives, such as the proposed Anti-Online Gambling Act of 2025, championed by Senator Migz Zubiri, which calls for intense digital censorship, including blocking sites and removing related apps within 72 hours. Yet critics insist that expanding regulation—not prohibition—is the responsible path forward.
Licensed operators emphasize the present safeguards under PAGCOR, including strict know-your-customer (KYC) protocols, multi-factor authentication, self-exclusion tools, and real-time monitoring, which protect Filipino players and ensure government revenue.
Beyond jobs, the industry’s economic footprint is notable. A recent analysis by CasinoReviews.net shows that in Q1 2025, PAGCOR collected PHP28.1 billion (~USD 504 million), of which PHP14.3 billion came from eGames and eBingo—underscoring the sector’s significance. Meanwhile, a Reuters article last December highlighted that the broader Philippine gambling sector is set to generate record revenues exceeding PHP350 billion (~USD 6 billion) in 2024.
In summary, the Philippines is on a precipice. A total ban may disrupt operations, displace an entire generation of tech-savvy professionals, and concede control to unregulated operators. Alternatively, policymakers have the opportunity to refine regulatory frameworks—strengthening age checks, ad restrictions, AML systems, and public education—to preserve jobs while protecting citizens.
