Online gambling transactions drop 50% after BSP ban

Online gambling transactions have dropped by 50% since the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) prohibited e-wallets from linking to online gaming platforms, according to Pagcor Chairman Al Tengco.

Tengco reported this development during a briefing on Pagcor's operations and its contribution to the proposed P6.7-trillion budget for 2026, noting that the decline was observed from August 17 to 19.

GCash and Maya have complied with the BSP order by removing icons and links to online gambling platforms, but players can still cash in through these apps indirectly.

PAGCOR's limits on stopping illegal gambling remain a challenge as Tengco argued that over 60% of operators are unlicensed and not subject to regulation.

Despite efforts to combat illegal operations, PAGCOR has reported that more than 8,000 illegal online gambling sites have been taken down by law enforcement agencies but many simply change their names to continue operations.