The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has dropped the hammer on e-wallets, ordering platforms like GCash and Maya to remove all icons and links to online gambling sites from their apps within 48 hours.

The directive was announced Thursday, August 14, during a joint Senate committee hearing tackling what lawmakers have called an “online gambling epidemic” sweeping the nation. BSP Deputy Governor Mamerto Tangonan confirmed the move, stating that by Sunday, August 17, all connections between BSP-supervised e-wallets and online gaming platforms — whether licensed or not — will be severed.

This decisive action comes amid growing pressure from Congress to either ban or strictly regulate online gambling. Senator Risa Hontiveros also weighed in, pushing for agencies like the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and the BSP to get on the same page. It’s no surprise, given she recently filed her own bill to kick online gambling access off e-wallets and mobile apps.

Meanwhile, Senator Raffy Tulfo, who heads the panel, highlighted the destructive impact of online gambling on Filipinos — regardless of its legal status.

GCash and Maya respond

We at Revü reached out to the country’s leading e-wallet providers for their official statements. Both confirmed their compliance.

A representative from GCash told Revü: “GCash will fully comply with the BSP’s proactive directive to remove links and icons that connect payment apps to online gambling platforms. We share the BSP’s commitment to ensuring that digital financial services are used responsibly and in ways that protect the welfare of Filipinos. Once we receive the official directive, we will immediately enforce the necessary changes to ensure compliance and safeguard our users.”

Maya shared a similar commitment: “Maya is ready to comply with the BSP directive to remove links to online gambling from its app. The update will be implemented in line with the BSP’s guidance. We assure customers that their accounts and transactions remain secure and fully operational. We remain focused on serving our customers while fully complying with regulatory requirements.”

A multibillion-peso conundrum

The government’s crackdown is hardly surprising given the staggering growth of the e-gaming sector. Gross gaming revenues have skyrocketed from P8 billion in 2022 to an astonishing P135.71 billion in 2024. In just the first half of 2025, the GGR has already hit P106.53 billion.

PAGCOR data from July 2025 estimates there are now 32 million electronic gaming players in the Philippines. That’s nearly a third of the entire population — and about half of the country’s estimated 60 million adults.

This latest move by the BSP is another significant step in the government’s broader effort to rein in the industry. Just back in June, authorities announced a plan to shut down 7,000 unauthorized online gaming websites operating locally. Now, by cutting off the most convenient payment channels, the government is hitting the industry where it (hopefully) hurts most.

Feature image via Senate of the Philippines

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