The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is drafting new rules that could cap how much Filipinos can spend on online gambling each day. Under the proposal, e-wallets and digital payment providers would be required to limit transfers to online gaming accounts to 20% of a user’s average daily balance—plus only allow transactions during a six-hour window each day.
If users hit what the BSP calls a “heavy usage” threshold, wallets would automatically trigger a 24-hour cooling-off period, denying further gambling transfers. These measures are part of a wider effort to balance consumer protection with ongoing access to digital payments for licensed operators.
The draft circular, still open for industry feedback until July 25, also calls for tougher due diligence on e-gaming platforms. Regulators say the aim is to make sure digital payments aren’t enabling harmful behavior or putting users’ finances at risk.
This move comes as the government considers new taxes on online gaming and debates imposing tighter rules—or even a ban—on e-wallet gambling access. Supporters argue that daily limits and cooling-off mechanisms can curb excessive spending without shutting down the industry.
Fintech Alliance Philippines, representing major digital-payment providers, has thrown its weight behind the proposal, saying clearer regulation is needed to clean up the market. Meanwhile, PAGCOR’s chief Alejandro Tengco recently emphasized that better management—not bans—is the way forward in dealing with online gambling.
With all eyes on the draft, industry stakeholders and the public now have until July 25 to weigh in. Once finalized, these rules could redefine how Filipinos play—and pay—for online games.
