The e-wallet platform GCash will remove online gambling access on GLife starting 8 p.m. on August 16. This is in compliance with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) order to remove links and icons related to online gambling.
Before this date, users are advised to transfer their funds from their gaming account back to their GCash wallet using GLife. After the specified time, the remaining funds can only be accessed directly on the gaming merchant's website.
According to the BSP, the removal of in-app gambling links from e-wallets is part of an investigation into the impact of online gambling, especially its easy access. There are bills in Congress for stricter regulation or a total ban of online gambling.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) has asserted that a total ban could lead to job losses and a decrease in government revenue. Of the ₱410 billion gross gaming revenue in 2024, nearly two-fifths will come from online gambling, and part of this goes to Universal Health Care.
For lawmakers, even if the revenue is high, it does not match the human and social costs of online gambling, including the risk of addiction and the exposure of minors to illegal gambling.