PAGCOR to Advocate Restoring E-Wallet Links for Online Gaming
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Key Takeaways:
- PAGCOR is preparing a position paper to urge the central bank to reinstate e-wallet banking links for licensed online gaming operators.
- The move addresses ongoing payment restrictions that have impacted transaction efficiency in the Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) and related sectors.
- This could enhance operational liquidity and player convenience in a major Asian i Gaming hub if approved.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the regulator overseeing online gaming in the Philippines, is drafting a formal position paper to present to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the country's central bank. The document will argue for the restoration of direct e-wallet connections for licensed online gaming entities.
These links were previously restricted due to concerns over money laundering and illicit flows, particularly in the offshore gaming sector. PAGCOR's push reflects industry feedback that such limitations have hindered legitimate operations, increased reliance on less efficient payment methods, and affected player experience in a market where digital wallets are widely used.
If successful, reinstating e-wallet functionality would streamline deposits and withdrawals, boost operator competitiveness, and support compliance-focused growth in the Philippine online casino landscape. This development matters for the broader i Gaming industry as the Philippines remains a significant hub for licensed operators serving international players, and payment innovation often sets precedents for other emerging markets. It highlights ongoing tensions between regulatory caution and operational practicality in digital finance integration.
