Nineteen licensed operators in the Philippines have come together to form PlaySafe Alliance.
In July 2025, amid all the talks within the country for a complete ban on online gambling, several Philippines-licensed operators expressed their concern on how a total ban would only encourage illegal gambling and push players to the black market.
Fast forward to now, several of these Philippine operators have formed a new alliance to preserve and promote online gambling in a safe and sustainable manner.
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Licensed operators form PlaySafe Alliance of the Philippines to combat illegal gambling
On Aug. 7, 19 licensed operators met in Taguig City to form the PlaySafe Alliance of the Philippines. Some of the big names include Digiplus Interactive Corporation and World Platinum Technologies.
According to its members, the PlaySafe Alliance was formed to improve consumer protection, ensure regulatory compliance, and combat illegal gambling. It also aims to promote online gambling in a healthy manner.
Mike Defensor, the president of World Platinum Technologies, had the following to say on the formation of this new alliance: “The real enemy when it comes to online gambling is the illegal market. No license, no regulation — minors can play, no taxes are paid, and rules are not followed. Instead of being protected, the public is put at risk.”
He further added that “strict regulation and close monitoring of legal operators are important to ensure safe, responsible, and fair gaming for everyone.”
PlaySafe Alliance should work alongside PAGCOR to improve various attributes of online gambling, such as advertising, KYC, and consumer education. These are some areas that the Philippine government had previously sought to improve and invest in.
Earlier this year, a former commissioner of PAGC demanded a complete ban on online gaming ads and called it a fuel for gambling addictions. Since then, Malacañang has confirmed that it is investigating the potential repercussions of banning online gambling in the country.
While operators believe regulation is key, the chairman of the Senate Games and Amusements Committee, Erwin Tulfo, says otherwise. According to him, “Our [their] law enforcement is not effective enough.” He believes that tightening regulations will only increase illegal gambling in the Philippines.
In other news, the Philippines' central bank recently announced its introducing new regulations to improve online gambling transactions.
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