Lawmakers Push to Restrict E-Wallet Access to Gambling Sites
Philippine lawmakers are moving to restrict how e-wallet apps connect users to online gambling, aiming to protect people from growing risks of addiction and financial harm.
Representative Jonathan Keith Flores warned that e-wallets make it far too easy for users to top up funds and place bets, leading many to gamble beyond their means. He stressed that lower-income Filipinos are especially vulnerable because they often hope gambling can solve financial struggles, only to end up deeper in debt.
“While e-wallets help with everyday payments, they shouldn’t act as gateways to online casinos and betting platforms,” Flores said. He also suspects some e-wallet providers profit from gambling-related partnerships and urged them to remove gambling links from their apps.
Several e-wallets in the Philippines now feature built-in directories of gambling games and even offer loan services, which may push users into risky financial behavior.
Although lawmakers haven’t announced specific penalties yet, Flores called for deeper research to decide which agencies should regulate these services and how to enforce new rules. Meanwhile, he urged the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to examine how e-wallet companies enable gambling access.
Representative Rolando Valeriano took a stronger stance, calling for the cancellation of licences held by online gambling operators. He wants gambling to return to physical venues under stricter regulation, believing this approach offers better control and protection for Filipino gamblers.
Ultimately, lawmakers believe they must act to stop e-wallets from fueling gambling addiction and financial hardship across the Philippines.
