Philippine central bank to impose restrictions on online gambling transactions

The chairman of the Philippines’ Senate Games and Amusements Committee recently announced public hearings to discuss the future of online gambling in the country. It came amidst the growing concerns regarding the ethical and moral repercussions of casinos, and after an appeal by the church for a complete ban on online gambling. 

Now, just days later, the Philippine central bank, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), has announced its plan to impose new regulations on online gambling transactions to improve consumer protection.

On August 7, 2025, BSP confirmed it will introduce new regulations to improve online gambling transactions in the country. As reported by The Inquirer, these were developed after a thorough consultation with the public to protect players from the risks associated with online gambling. 

The new regulation includes improved identity verification protocols, such as biometrics and facial recognition. Additionally, players can expect daily transaction limits and time-based restrictions for gambling purchases. 

To prevent gambling addictions or reduce their after-effects, the new regulations also add a mandate to include user tools such as spending caps, account freezes, etc.

None of these new additions should come as a surprise, especially given how BSP had previously expressed its desire to restrict daily transaction limits on online gambling. 

The Philippine government is aggressively imposing new regulations to safeguard online gambling, uphold financial integrity, and reduce addictions. Another fine example includes last month’s ban on online gambling sites and VPN access on the workplace internet in Cebu City.

While the church and the senate demand a complete ban on online gambling, the Philippine government seems more focused on adding new regulations to restrict its usual. The Department of Finance (DOF) is also working on tightening the rules around online gambling, with increased fees and taxes.

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