DigiPlus Interactive Corp., the operator of BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, today voiced an appeal to lawmakers amid the wave of congressional proposals targeting the online gaming sector.
“We are open to evolving and improving wherever needed,” said DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio Tanco. “If there are new standards to meet, or better ways to protect players, we will act swiftly and responsibly. But please, do not condemn an industry, and the 50,000 Filipino families who rely on it, without hearing the facts first.”
The company expressed deep concern that responsible, law-abiding operators are being swept into a tide of suspicion meant to catch those who have never complied with regulation in the first place. Many of the measures now being debated in Congress, such as rigorous Know-Your-Customer (KYC) checks; mandatory age verification that bars minors and vulnerable players; self-exclusion tools; and responsible-gaming prompts, have been in place in DigiPlus platforms since November 2024.
DigiPlus underscored that it has always done its best to align its operations with regulatory expectations from PAGCOR and other relevant government agencies. Every peso flowing through its platforms is taxed, audited, and remitted to PAGCOR and the Bureau of Internal Revenue, funding healthcare, infrastructure, and disaster relief. “Tell us what more we must do,” Tanco said, “And we will do it without hesitation. Just grant us the fairness owed to any lawful Filipino enterprise.”
The company says the current atmosphere feels less like regulation and more like retribution. “We stand licensed, audited, and transparent, yet we are made to answer for the crimes of illegal operators who respect neither law nor livelihood,” Tanco noted.
DigiPlus directly appealed for reason and clarity in the debate, saying: “We are appealing to the government: Let us approach this rationally. If we study the issue with clear eyes, we will see that the social ills being blamed on online gaming stem from the illegal market. That is where underage gambling happens. That is where financial abuse thrives. Target that, and the harm disappears.”
The consequences of a total ban go far beyond corporate risk. More than 3,000 direct DigiPlus employees, and an estimated 50,000 jobs across the online gaming industry’s nationwide network, including those in information technology, cybersecurity, software development, as well as multimedia artists, call center agents, security personnel, and housekeeping staff are now at risk. Tanco said, “In every city, in every province, our people are asking: are we no longer welcome, even when we’ve done everything right?”
DigiPlus warned that banning licensed operators will not make online gaming go away. It will only drive players toward illegal, unregulated sites with no safeguards.
As the national debate unfolds, DigiPlus calls for fact-based dialogue, grounded not in fear or stigma, but in the shared goal of building a stronger, safer, and more accountable gaming industry. As a proudly Filipino company, DigiPlus reaffirmed its commitment to full compliance, cooperation with regulators, and proactive reform.
Digiplus appeals to lawmakers and the public: “We are not asking for special treatment. We are simply asking to be judged by our actions, not by perception, nor by association with those who break the law. Regulation works best when it uplifts what is working, not when it dismantles it.”
About DigiPlus Interactive Corp.
DigiPlus Interactive Corp. pioneered digital entertainment in the Philippines. It introduced leading platforms BingoPlus and ArenaPlus, widely known for their engaging experiences in interactive gaming and sports entertainment. DigiPlus also operates SpinPlus and GameZone, with more to come. For more information, visit: www.digiplus.com.ph.
