Key Moments:
- PAGCOR experienced a 40-50% revenue drop within two weeks after e-wallets disconnected links to online gaming sites.
- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas required GCash and Maya to remove gambling site access, finalized by 17 August 2025.
- PAGCOR is introducing an AI tool to detect illegal gambling sites in real time, advancing its enforcement capabilities.
Revenue Impact from E-Wallet Delinking
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) reported a dramatic fall in revenues by 40-50 percent following the removal of e-wallet payment links from online gambling platforms. This decline became apparent during the initial two weeks after the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), also called the central bank of the Philippines, dictated policy changes affecting the sector. Assistant Vice President Jessa Mariz Fernandez shared these figures during the Senate Committee on Games and Amusement hearing held on 16 September 2025, highlighting how transaction volumes shifted after the payment channel disruption.
PAGCOR says they lost 40%-50% of income from online gambling since the delinking of online gambling in app from e-wallet companies. @News5PH @onenewsph
— Maeanne Los Baños-Oroceo (@maeannelosbanos) September 16, 2025
Policy Actions and Sector Response
The BSP instructed GCash and Maya – the nation’s leading e-wallet firms – to eliminate all embedded links to gambling platforms within a 48-hour window, a process completed by 17 August 2025. This move removed easy access for many bettors and drew praise from the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC). At the same time, senators weighed concerns about high-value online betting activity, noting reports of individual transactions reaching PHP500,000 (about €8,100).
Continued Support for Regulated Gambling
Although payment access via e-wallet links was curtailed, authorized operators continue to function as recognized merchants. This status enables them to handle cash-in and cash-out operations through regulated channels, keeping compliant gambling activity open. PAGCOR reiterated its backing for enhanced regulatory frameworks over outright bans, while the BSP stated, “it would defer to Congress regarding whether to implement prohibition or strengthened oversight.” According to Committee chair Sen. Erwin Tulfo, lawmakers are actively assessing the broader impacts of online gaming as they deliberate further legislative measures.
Adoption of Artificial Intelligence for Enforcement
In a significant technological development, PAGCOR is set to roll out an artificial intelligence-driven monitoring system that will identify illicit gambling websites in real time. The agency’s tool will work with the CICC, National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), and Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to swiftly detect and block unauthorized operators.
Enhanced Detection and Proactive Regulation
Historically, PAGCOR’s efforts relied on manual monitoring, licensee feedback, and citizen complaints. The new AI solution aims to automate and accelerate these efforts by surveilling up to 11,985 illegal gambling domains, spanning 6,363 online casinos and 4,815 online cockfighting sites, with per-second activity analysis. This is expected to greatly increase efficiency in identifying unlicensed activity and responding with regulatory measures.
Ongoing Enforcement and Future Outlook
PAGCOR confirmed that it has honored government directives related to online operators, including the recent revocation of One Visaya Corporation’s license on 28 August 2025. Officials are optimistic that a blend of AI technology, enhanced regulatory scrutiny, and restricted payment access will effectively mitigate illegal gaming operations while supporting legal, regulated alternatives.
PAGCOR’s Move Toward Proactive Oversight
With ambitions to safeguard players, limit unlawful activity, and strengthen public trust in the online gaming industry, PAGCOR described its new direction as a transition from reactive measures to forward-looking enforcement strategies.
Upcoming Industry Event
The attention of the global gaming community shifts to Rome for SiGMA Central Europe, scheduled from 03–06 November 2025 at Fiera Roma. Attendees will include 30,000 delegates, more than 1,000 exhibitors, and over 550 speakers, marking a pivotal gathering for sector innovation and growth.
| Event | Date | Location | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| SiGMA Central Europe | 03–06 November 2025 | Fiera Roma, Rome | 30,000 delegates, 1,000+ exhibitors, 550+ speakers |
- Author
Daniel Williams
