Online Gaming Regulation
The Philippines’ leading digital entertainment company, DigiPlus Interactive Corp., is throwing its weight behind calls for tighter controls on online gaming. The company believes that smart and balanced regulation is key to protecting players, ensuring industry accountability, and sustaining the economic value generated by the legal online gaming sector.
The Importance of Regulation
According to DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio Tanco, “Regulation is the path to player protection. It’s the only way to safeguard players, preserve jobs, and close the door on illegal, underground platforms that operate without any oversight.” The company, which operates popular online gaming platforms such as BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, has already embedded many of the proposed safeguards into its platforms.
Existing Safeguards
All users of DigiPlus platforms undergo strict Know-Your-Customer (KYC) verification, including government ID checks and age gating. The company also offers responsible gaming features, such as deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and cooling-off periods, which have been available since November 2024.
New Initiatives
DigiPlus is taking its commitment to responsible gaming a step further by introducing new initiatives. These include enhanced affordability checks, behavioral nudges to curb excessive gaming, and referral pathways to licensed mental health experts. The company will also launch in-app community spaces in July 2025 to engage players in responsible gaming conversations and peer support.
Compliance and Transparency
DigiPlus complies with existing advertising restrictions and is revising its promotional strategies in light of new government guidance. The company’s internal marketing mandate prohibits targeting minors, avoids depictions of wealth or urgency, and excludes messaging that could be construed as predatory. DigiPlus has also partnered with NGOs and civil society organizations to promote financial literacy and digital responsibility among players.
The Consequences of a Total Ban
The company urges policymakers to consider the consequences of a total ban on online gaming. Experience from other countries has shown that banning licensed platforms does not eliminate demand for online gaming, but merely shifts users to unregulated black markets where there are no protections, no taxes, and no accountability. In contrast, a well-regulated environment can protect players, generate billions in government revenue, and sustain over 40,000 jobs across the industry.
A Model for Safe Online Gaming
DigiPlus believes that with the right rules in place, the Philippines can be a model for safe, transparent online gaming in Asia. The company is committed to working with regulators, legislators, and community groups to make this vision a reality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, DigiPlus Interactive Corp. is committed to responsible gaming and supports smart and balanced regulation of the online gaming industry. The company believes that regulation is key to protecting players, ensuring industry accountability, and sustaining the economic value generated by the legal online gaming sector. By introducing new initiatives and complying with existing regulations, DigiPlus is setting a high standard for the industry and demonstrating its commitment to responsible gaming. As the industry continues to evolve, DigiPlus remains committed to adapting and innovating, while prioritizing the safety and well-being of its players.
