In a landmark move, licensed online gambling operators in the Philippines have joined forces to create the PlaySafe Alliance of the Philippines, a unified industry body aimed at elevating standards across digital gaming platforms. The alliance, officially launched on 8 August 2025, includes 18 PAGCOR-accredited operators and a law firm working in concert to promote a safer and more transparent sector.

Serving as a founding member, DigiPlus Interactive Corp.—known for platforms like BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone—emphasized that this alliance stands for collaboration, not competition. As DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio Tanco succinctly put it:

“This alliance is not about competition—it’s about collaboration. By working as one, we can ensure that online gambling in the Philippines becomes more secure, transparent, and beneficial to both players and the nation.”

The PlaySafe Alliance is founded on four core pillars: responsible gaming, regulatory integrity, player protection, and combating illegal gambling.

Alliance Members and Governance

Founding members of the Interim Council include:

• 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)

• Enigma Software Solutions Inc. (Patokbet)

• Additional organizations include law firm Arden Consult and companies like GoTech Entertainment, NEMO Interactive, Webzoid, and more

Strategic Focus & Future Initiatives

The alliance plans to establish strategic committees targeting key areas such as:

• Regulatory collaboration and compliance with PAGCOR

• Enhanced player protection measures (e.g., KYC, age checks, self-exclusion tools)

• Campaigns combating illegal and unregulated gambling

• Public education on safer gambling practices

• Research, prevention, and treatment programs for gambling harm, including a 24/7 National Gambling Helpline

Eusebio Tanco reiterated the real challenge facing the industry: illegal operators. “Without licensed operators, the system loses its only layer of accountability,” he warned.

A Timely Response to Regulatory Scrutiny

This initiative comes amid growing scrutiny by lawmakers and the central bank. Regulatory bodies are emphasizing stronger protections for financial consumers, while legislative efforts—like the proposed Anti-Online Gambling Act—seek to limit access to online gambling platforms through stricter regulation and enhanced oversight. The PlaySafe Alliance’s formation provides a proactive and collaborative response to these challenges.