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Philstar.com
August 8, 2025 | 6:38pm
PlaySafe Alliance of the Philippines members link hands in a show of unity.
MANILA, Philippines — In a landmark move for the country’s regulated online gambling sector, a majority group of licensed operators on Friday announced the formation a unified industry association committed to responsible gaming, regulatory compliance, consumer protection and combatting illegal gambling.
PlaySafe Alliance of the Philippines, composed of 19 founding organizations, was formally signed into agreement during an initialing ceremony held at Ascott Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.
The group’s interim council includes licensed online gambling operators such as 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) and Enigma Software Solutions Inc. (Patokbet).
The association’s launch comes as the country undergoes a comprehensive review of the local online gambling industry, with lawmakers, regulators and industry leaders now debating the best path forward to balance public welfare and economic contribution.
“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,” he added.
The group said that in its early phases, 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.
- Combatting 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,” added 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.”
The group said the election of its officers will be slated soon, and that they would be assigned to strategic committees to work on focus areas including but not limited to player protection, advertising and marketing governance, financial risk control, and combatting illegal gambling.
The association’s founders 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.
Other organizations that have signed up as alliance members 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 group said those interested to join may contact the interim council.
