Philippines Plans New KYC Rules, Bet Limits to Limit Online Gambling

The Philippine government is considering enhanced safeguards for online gambling, including stricter KYC verification systems and financial entry barriers. Special assistant to the President, Secretary Frederick D. Go, revealed proposals to mandate minimum bets of at least PHP100 and high entry fees similar to the Singapore casino model. The measures are meant to deter impulsive betting and underage participation.

At the Economic Journalists Association forum, Go emphasized, “There are a few things that are possible there. Number one is to be stricter on the KYC, meaning all the platforms can be stricter to ensure that nobody below 21, for example, is allowed to gamble.”

PhylSys Integration

The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DepDev) plans to use the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) to boost oversight of online gambling platforms. Secretary Arsenio Balisacan confirmed that linking national IDs with agencies like the Social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will allow real-time verification of user eligibility. The system will block social welfare recipients from wagering.

With 93 million Filipinos registered and 54 million holding physical IDs as of June 2025, the system aims to flag restricted users, ensuring compliance with restrictions targeting vulnerable individuals. Balisacan projected full integration within two years, calling it a “potential enforcement mechanism” for pending gambling reforms.

Stakeholder Summit

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. intends to convene with religious leaders, addiction experts, and law enforcement to assess the societal effects of online gambling. The dialogue aims to balance regulatory limits, with Marcos warning that outright bans often fuel underground markets. “Comprehensive discussions and evidence-based analysis must inform any decision,” he explained.

Similar legislative efforts are underway, led by Senator Erwin Tulfo as he compiles committee review measures to be presented on August 14. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has also tabled a bill to ban direct e-wallet transfers to betting platforms. Tulfo noted that unregulated operators fail to block minors and enforce spending controls, which inspired the inquiry.

Total Ban Not Likely

Industry leaders and cabinet officials advocate for online gambling reforms over outright bans, citing financial benefits and enforcement risks. Arden Consult CEO Marie Antonette Quiogue warned prohibitions could drive activities underground, pushing for policies built on “accurate knowledge, comprehensive data, and global perspectives.” Finance Secretary Ralph Recto acknowledged PAGCOR’s PHP100 billion gaming revenue, including PHP50 billion from online platforms.