One of the largest online gambling enterprises in the Philippines, DigiPlus Interactive Corporation, recently issued a warning against the legislative proposal for a "total ban on online gambling," urging the government and legislative bodies to adopt a more prudent regulatory strategy instead of a blanket ban. The company emphasized that strict regulation is essential to effectively protect player safety, combat illegal platforms, and maintain the positive contribution of the gambling industry to the national economy.
As calls for the prohibition of online gambling grow louder, investors are seeking refuge, and DigiPlus Interactive Corp., once a stock market darling, experienced one of its largest single-day declines on Wednesday.
As the operator of popular platforms such as BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, DigiPlus issued a statement supporting the establishment of a "wise and balanced" regulatory system that considers consumer rights and the sustainable development of the industry. Chairman Eusebio Tanco pointed out that banning legal platforms would be counterproductive, "only forcing players to turn to the black market, exacerbating security risks, and leading to a loss of government tax revenue."
He added that the formal industry not only created over 40,000 jobs but also brought billions of pesos in revenue to the Philippines. DigiPlus also emphasized that the company has introduced multiple safety mechanisms in the system, including real-name verification, age restrictions, cooling-off periods, self-exclusion, and deposit limits, some of which have been fully implemented since November 2024.
Furthermore, the company is preparing to launch more responsible gambling tools, such as affordability checks, anti-excessive betting systems, and services that can refer players to mental health experts. To foster a healthy gambling culture, the platform will also launch a community interaction zone this month to encourage support and communication among users.
In terms of advertising, DigiPlus stated that it strictly follows government guidelines, prohibiting promotions targeted at minors and avoiding content that promises wealth or incites urgency. The company has adjusted its overall marketing strategy, emphasizing compliance, moderation, and responsible gambling principles.
Finally, DigiPlus committed to actively cooperating with legal updates, especially regarding legislative reforms aimed at combating illegal operators and strengthening advertising regulation, and is willing to work together with the government, legislators, and civil organizations to build a safer, more transparent online gambling environment.
