Philippine central bank to cap iGaming transactions
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the Philippine central bank, is preparing to implement new rules aimed at mitigating financial risks associated with online gambling. The central bank said measures targeting banks, e-wallets, and other financial service providers will be implemented. The initiative comes amid mounting regulatory and legislative pressure to strengthen consumer protection in the growing digital finance and gaming sectors in the Southeast Asian country.
In a statement, the BSP said it is finalising a set of measures “to protect financial consumers from the risks associated with online gambling.” The proposed rules, currently in the final stage of development following public consultation, will mandate tighter identity checks, user-imposed spending limits, and other safeguards for gambling-related financial transactions.
Stronger controls for safer digital finance
The central bank detailed several key provisions in the upcoming circular. These include strict identity verification, such as biometric authentication and facial recognition, to ensure only eligible individuals can access gambling-related financial services; daily caps on gambling-related transfers to limit excessive financial losses; time-based restrictions on gambling payments to discourage impulsive spending; and, user tools that allow individuals to set personal spending limits, take voluntary breaks, or self-exclude from gambling transactions altogether.
“These safeguards aim to reduce the risks of addiction, fraud, and financial harm while promoting the responsible use of digital financial services,” the BSP said. “The BSP remains committed to maintaining a safe, secure, and inclusive digital finance ecosystem for all Filipinos.”
The BSP’s announcement follows heightened concern over the role of digital platforms in facilitating access to gambling, especially among minors and vulnerable users in the Philippines. Several lawmakers have also called for stricter rules, including proposals to ban direct links between gambling sites and e-wallets.
GCash aligns with regulators on responsible gaming
In response to regulatory developments, GCash, one of the country’s largest mobile wallets, announced the introduction of new features to help users manage their gaming behaviour. The company, backed by Globe Telecom, said it will roll out in-app tools that align with both the BSP’s upcoming circular and existing Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) rules.
According to local media reports, GCash will launch a self-exclusion feature allowing users to voluntarily restrict their access to gaming services, either temporarily or permanently. Additionally, the platform will enable users to set custom top-up limits—both in terms of amount and frequency—for gambling transactions.
The app will also introduce user interface changes to add more friction when accessing gaming merchants, including extra steps and non-GCash branding for licensed gaming sections. Informational messages and responsible gaming reminders will also appear across relevant sections of the app.
GCash said it has already implemented age-based restrictions, preventing individuals under 21 from using the platform for licensed gambling activities. The company said its latest changes are part of its commitment to responsible gaming.
GCash’s gaming-linked services have come under increased scrutiny as concerns grow over gambling addiction, underage access, and fraudulent activity through digital finance platforms in the Philippines.
Industry adjusts to stricter oversight
The combined efforts of the BSP and GCash signal a broader regulatory shift towards curbing gambling-related financial harm. Other financial service providers are expected to follow suit once the central bank’s circular is issued. The BSP has not yet announced a specific release date for the finalised rules, but has indicated that public consultations are complete and implementation will follow soon after.
