Philippine central bank eyes new rules to tackle online gambling

It will include daily limits to gambling-related transfers and time-based restrictions.

The Philippine central bank is finalizing new rules that will require banks, e-wallets, and other financial service providers to adopt stronger safeguards against online gambling.

Upcoming measures will include identity verification and daily limits, according to a statement released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on 7 August 2025.

Financial service providers will be required to include biometric checks such as facial recognition, to ensure only eligible individuals can use their funds for ongoing gambling.

The BSP also proposes implementing daily limits of gambling related transfers, and time-based restrictions on gambling payments; as well as user tools for setting personal spending caps, taking voluntary breaks, or self-exclusion from gambling transactions.

These safeguards aim to reduce the risks of addiction, fraud, and financial harm while promoting the responsible use of digital financial services, the BSP said.

Gambling activities in the Philippines have recently come under scrutiny with allegations that 34 missing cockfighters have been buried in the lake surrounding the Taal Volcano. Cockfighting is a form of gambling involving roosters.