Licensed online gaming firms form PlaySafe alliance amid scrutiny
Online betting operators, licensed under the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR), have formed an alliance to combat illegal online gambling as the sector faces scrutiny from policymakers.
Nineteen licensed gaming firms announced the formation of PlaySafe Alliance of the Philippines, describing their group as 'a unified industry association committed to responsible gaming, regulatory compliance, consumer protection, and combating illegal gambling.'
Members of the alliance's interim council include the following:
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)
Other firms that have signed membership in the alliance include:
Arden Consult
GoTech Entertainment Inc. (Filbet)
IGO Digital High Technology Inc. (iGO, PremyoFun)
NEMO Interactive Group Corporation (Fairplay, Arionplay)
Nextstage Entertainment Inc. (ANIBET)
RAC Phil Corp. (LakiWin)
Silver Goose 8 International Inc. (SG8)
Skyline Nexus Corporation (Juan365)
Webzoid System Solutions Corporation (Go Play Asia)
Xn Solutions Inc. (MegaPerya)
The launch of the industry association came as the local online gambling sector faces scrutiny with lawmakers, regulators, and industry leaders..
Several other lawmakers have also called for either the total ban or strict regulation of online gambling, citing its negative impact on Filipinos who have become addicted to it.
PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco earlier noted that the gaming industry regulator recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ad Standards Council (ASC) to strengthen the monitoring of gambling-related advertisements across all platforms.
It also recently ordered the takedown of all gambling ads in public spaces and primetime TV by August 15 this year.
Malacañang, on the other hand, said proposals to ban online gambling should be studied thoroughly, including their possible impacts on the country.
'Ang tunay na kalaban sa usapin ng online gambling ay ang ilegal na market. Walang lisensya, walang kontrol—puwedeng maglaro ang menor de edad, walang bayad na buwis, at hindi sumusunod sa mga patakaran. Sa halip na protektado, nalalagay sa panganib ang publiko,' said Mike Defensor, appointed spokesperson of the industry association and President of World Platinum Technologies Inc.
'Sa kasalukuyan, tinatayang 70% ng online gambling market ay ilegal, habang 30% lamang ang legal na sumusunod sa regulasyon at nagbabayad ng buwis sa gobyerno. Kaya mahalaga ang mahigpit na regulasyon at pagtutok sa mga ligal na operator upang matiyak ang ligtas, responsable, at makatarungang paglalaro para sa lahat,' said Defensor.
The PlaySafe Alliance of the Philippines said it will focus on the following:
Collaborating with Regulators – Partnering with PAGCOR to enhance industry oversight and compliance, especially around existing marketing and advertising practices.
Strengthening Responsible Gaming Measures – Implementing robust KYC (Know-Your-Customer) processes, age verification, and self-exclusion programs.
Combating Illegal Gambling – Launching initiatives to help deter illegal and unlicensed operators.
Consumer Education – Launching public awareness and health campaigns on safer gambling and the risks of playing on unregulated platforms.
Gambling Harm & Addiction Support – Investing in nationwide research, education, prevention & treatment (REPT) programs for online gambling, including a 24/7 National Gambling Helpline.
'This alliance is not about competition—it's about collaboration,' said Eusebio Tanco, founding member of PlaySafe Alliance and Chairman of DigiPlus Interactive Corp.
'By working as one, we can ensure that online gambling in the Philippines will be more secure, transparent, and beneficial to both players and the nation,' said Tanco.
The PlaySafe Alliance said it will soon elect its officers and thereafter be organized into various 'strategic committees' to work on 'focus areas, including but not limited to Player Protection, Advertising & Marketing Governance, Financial Risk Control, and Combating Illegal Gambling.'
The group also announced plans to onboard an independent advisory panel consisting of local and international experts to advise on responsible gaming regulation, public health, financial technology, and consumer advocacy topics. –NB, GMA Integrated News
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