Latest news with #WorldPlatinumTechnologiesInc
GMA Network
6 days ago
- Business
- GMA Network
Licensed online gaming firms form PlaySafe alliance amid scrutiny
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.' 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
GMA Network
09-07-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
Online gaming ban? Licensed operators say users will shift to black market sites
Online gaming operators licensed with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) on Wednesday opposed proposals for a total ban on online gambling in the country, warning that Filipinos might shift to unregulated sites on the black market. In a joint statement, the companies said they 'are standing united with the PAGCOR and 'forward-thinking' lawmakers to call for stronger regulation—not a total ban—to keep Filipino players safe and the country's economy thriving.' Signatories to the statement are: World Platinum Technologies Inc AB Leisure Exponent Inc. Total Gamezone Xtreme Inc. Gamemaster Integrated Inc. Lucky Taya Gaming Corp. Stotsenberg Leisure Park & Hotel Corp. Igo Digital High Technology Inc. Megabet Corp. Gavin Ventures Inc. Gotech Entertainment Inc. Meta Interactive Software Solutions, Inc. Nextstage Entertainment Inc. Webzoid System Solutions Corporation Trojan Wells Entertainment Corp. The online gaming firms issued the statement amid proposals for a total ban on online gambling. Senator Juan Miguel 'Migz' Zubiri on Monday filed his proposed Anti-Online Gambling Act of 2025, seeking to mandate internet service providers, mobile network operators, and digital platforms to block access to gambling websites and remove related apps within 72 hours upon notice from the Department of Justice or Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation. At the House of Representatives, lawmakers including Negros Occidental Representative Javi Benitez and Bicol Saro party-list Representative Terry Ridon are pushing for stricter regulations instead of a total ban. Akbayan party-list Representatives Chel Diokno, Perci Cendaña, and Dadah Ismulla filed House Bill 1351, seeking to limit access to online gambling or the Kontra e-Sugal Act. 'As Congress debates proposals to outlaw online gaming or restrict payment channels, the country's legal operators warn that total prohibition will not stop Filipinos from playing, but will only push tens of millions of players in the black market where unlicensed, unregulated operators thrive,' the licensed online gaming firms said. 'Prohibition does not erase online gaming. It only erases the safeguards that protect the Filipino people. The reality is clear: players will continue to play. The choice is whether they do so on secure, licensed platforms that follow regulations, or on black-market sites that answer to no one,' they said. The licensed online gaming firms emphasized that the Philippines already enforces some of the strictest protections in Asia, such as: the enforcement of strict Know-Your-Customer (KYC) and multi-factor authentication checking players against PAGCOR's National Database of Restricted Persons requiring that players are 21 or older providing self-exclusion tools and real-time monitoring for at-risk behavior following advertising restrictions that prohibit predatory claims contributing to national revenue, job creation, and technology development 'Every peso played on a licensed platform supports public services—schools, hospitals, roads—and helps keep Filipino families safe through regulation and oversight. On the flipside, every peso spent on an illegal site is money stolen from communities and funneled straight to illegal operators who ignore our laws,' the licensed online gaming firms said. The online gaming players cited 'global lessons,' which they said a total ban had backfired. 'Out of 195 countries worldwide, 177 choose to regulate online gaming. Only 18 nations, including North Korea, Iran, and Somalia, maintain total bans, and none have succeeded in eradicating underground gaming,' they said. 'In the United States, a 2006 federal ban simply drove American players to unregulated offshore sites. By 2013, the US moved to legalize online gaming again to regain control, generating over $71.9 billion in revenues and more than $15 billion in taxes. Sweden, Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina have all seen the same: that a prohibition fuels crime; regulation reclaims it,' they added. The gaming firms also said that since regulated online gaming expanded in 2022, PAGCOR's license fee collections alone have soared from P12.3 billion to P54 billion in 2024, 'directly funding national projects that benefit every Filipino.' 'PAGCOR's total revenues hit P112 billion last year, with online gaming driving nearly half of that. Over 50,000 Filipinos now work in the sector, many in high-value roles in technology, cybersecurity, creative design, and artificial intelligence,' the companies said. 'The country's licensed operators warn that a reckless ban, or cutting off legitimate payment channels, would destroy this progress overnight, wiping out thousands of jobs and handing the entire market to illegal sites. In these unregulated spaces, players lose all protections: no age checks, no data security, no support for problem gambling, and no contribution to the national economy,' they added. Industry players further suggested that lawmakers should strengthen what already works such as 'tighter age and identity verification, clear limits for at-risk players, stronger anti-money laundering safeguards, faster site takedowns for illegal operators, and expanded public education on player rights and responsible play.' 'Let's be clear: the real enemy is not regulated gaming. It is the rise of illegal operators who put profits over Filipino welfare. Legal operators do not fear tougher rules, they welcome them. What they fear is surrendering our digital future to the black market,' they said. 'As ASEAN neighbors like Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam modernize their own gaming regulations to attract investment and protect players, the Philippines risks falling behind if fear-driven bans dismantle an industry that has proven it can grow jobs, strengthen technology, and raise billions in revenue under proper oversight. Regulators are urged: don't hand this industry to criminals. Keep it legal, keep it safe, and keep it proudly Filipino,' they added. — BM, GMA Integrated News
