Leading e-wallet service GCash announced its full compliance with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) directive to remove all in-app links and icons connecting its platform to online gambling sites, following the central bank’s mandate amid growing concerns over financial risks posed by online gaming.
The BSP has recently issued Memorandum No. M-2025-029 instructing all BSP-supervised payment service providers, including e-wallets, banks, and other platforms, to suspend and remove access to online gambling through their applications or websites within 48 hours.
The directive is a response to the surge in online gambling transactions and the attendant financial risks to consumers and their households. The suspension will remain in effect while the BSP finalizes a comprehensive regulatory policy on online gambling payment services.
In line with this mandate, GCash, the Philippines’ largest e-wallet operator, made a public statement affirming its commitment to adhere strictly to the BSP order.
“GCash will fully comply with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ proactive directive to remove links and icons that connect payment apps to online gambling platforms,” the company said in a statement released on August 14. It further expressed its support for the BSP’s goal of adopting stronger safeguards on online gaming and pledged ongoing collaboration with regulators and industry partners to protect the financial health of Filipinos.
The BSP’s circular emphasizes responsible online gambling practices, including the imposition of limits on transaction amounts and playing times, mandatory pop-up alerts for users identified with heavy usage, and internal policies prohibiting employees of payment service providers from participating in online gambling activities. The BSP retains supervisory authority to ensure compliance and is prepared to take corrective actions if necessary.
GCash’s compliance marks a significant step in the payment industry’s response to the BSP’s tightening regulations on online gambling, aimed at mitigating social and financial harm while promoting responsible use of digital financial services.
The removal of in-app gambling links and features from platforms like GCash is expected to reshape how these services integrate gaming-related functions going forward.
The BSP order comes amid wider concerns raised by government officials and lawmakers about the impact of online gambling in the Philippines, including on vulnerable groups such as the youth.
The central bank’s policy initiative is part of broader efforts to safeguard Filipino consumers as digital payment platforms continue to evolve.
