The Central Bank of the Philippines has issued a directive requiring all BSP-Supervised Institutions to remove links that provide in-app access to gambling from their payment apps and websites within 48 hours, effectively suspending these functionalities across covered channels. The scope includes e-wallet providers, banks operating payment apps and websites, and other BSP-Supervised Institutions. The suspension covers any product, service, or feature that redirects an account holder to a gaming or gambling site. The measure is framed as a response to a surge in online gambling transactions and related impacts on consumers’ financial health and broader social costs. The suspension will remain in place until the central bank finalizes its policy on online gambling payment services.
Central Bank of the Philippines 2025-08-14
Central Bank of the Philippines orders BSP-supervised institutions to remove in-app gambling links from payment channels within 48 hours
The Central Bank of the Philippines has mandated all BSP-Supervised Institutions to remove links to gambling sites from their payment apps and websites within 48 hours. This directive affects e-wallet providers, banks, and other institutions, suspending functionalities that redirect users to gambling sites. The measure addresses rising online gambling transactions and their financial and social impacts, pending final policy development.