Philippine licensed online gambling operators recently formed the PlaySafe Alliance, publicly urging players to choose legal platforms, emphasizing that illegal gambling is the real hazard. They pointed out: "Regulation brings protection, without it, protection is completely absent."
The alliance stated that licensed operators undergo strict scrutiny and auditing, implementing KYC, age verification, and responsible gambling mechanisms to ensure that players participate in entertainment activities within a controlled range. In contrast, illegal platforms not only lack regulation but also condone underage participation and encourage high-stakes betting, which can lead to financial and social issues.
At the Philippine Senate Committee on Gaming and Entertainment hearing, data showed that there are currently about 11,985 illegal gambling websites nationwide, including 6,363 online casinos and 4,815 online cockfighting (e-sabong) platforms.
The alliance also supports consumer protection and financial safety measures promoted by the Central Bank (BSP), but warns that simply severing the connection between legal operators and payment channels will only push players towards the dark web and black market, leading to untraceable transactions, tax revenue losses, and higher risks.
PlaySafe calls for cooperation between the government and the private sector to ensure that the gambling industry operates within a legal framework, avoiding "one-size-fits-all" policies that benefit illegal operators, while protecting player safety and sustainable industry development.
