The Central Bank of the Philippines (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, BSP) announced it will issue a circular aimed at protecting users of digital platforms from risks associated with online gambling, and has circulated a draft while it reviews stakeholder feedback. The proposed rules would require BSP-supervised institutions (BSIs) to strengthen protections for users accessing gambling-related services through their digital channels. The draft targets BSIs, primarily banks and electronic money issuers, and contemplates protections that could include limits on gaming access through regulated platforms. The BSP framed the approach as collaborative, with the policy intended to balance consumer protection and continued access to digital payments for licensed businesses. The initiative is positioned as an extension of earlier BSP measures, including a 2021 directive barring regulated entities from dealing with unlicensed gambling operators and a 2022 order requiring e-wallets and other BSIs to remove links to electronic sabong (e-sabong) after the national government suspended e-sabong operations. The BSP is continuing to review feedback on the draft circular ahead of issuing the final requirements.
Central Bank of the Philippines 2025-07-03
Central Bank of the Philippines circulates draft circular to require banks and e-money issuers to curb online gambling risks on digital platforms
The Central Bank of the Philippines (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, BSP) plans to issue a circular to enhance user protection on digital platforms against online gambling risks, following stakeholder feedback. The proposed rules would require BSP-supervised institutions, such as banks and electronic money issuers, to implement measures like limiting gaming access through regulated platforms. This initiative builds on previous BSP actions, including directives against unlicensed gambling operators and the removal of e-sabong links.