Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
20th CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ________ 
Introduced by. REP. JUAN CARLOS “ARJO” C. ATAYDE 
AN ACT 
PROHIBITING THE INTEGRATION OF MOBILE WALLET APPLICATIONS IN 
ONLINE GAMBLING PLATFORMS, LIMITING ACCESS THROUGH E-WALLETS 
AND SUPER APPS, IMPOSING ADVERTISING RESTRICTIONS, ESTABLISHING 
LOSS LIMITS, CREATING A PUBLIC HEALTH RESPONSE TO GAMBLING 
ADDICTION, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
In recent years, electronic wallets and other fintech innovations have revolutionized 
everyday transactions for millions of Filipinos. What began as a powerful tool to streamline bill 
payments, remittances, and basic banking has, unfortunately, exploited by online gambling 
operators, turning convenience into a channel for addiction. 
Social media platforms have become saturated with posts expressing public frustration and 
disappointment over the growing normalization of online gambling within Filipino communities. 
These sentiments are often fueled by news stories and personal testimonies about parents tapping 
into their e-wallets in the hopes of securing easy winnings, students who wager their allowances, 
and the increasing accessibility of gambling platforms embedded in everyday digital tools; a 
community sharing frustration and concern over gambling’s normalization. 
A recent Capstone-Intel survey reveals that 64 % of their respondents engage in online 
betting, with 66 % of 18- to 40-year-olds admitting they’ve placed wagers via mobile apps1. These 
figures underscore how rapidly online gambling has become part of daily life; especially for our 
youth and low-income kababayans, who are most at risk of spiraling into debt. 
As revealed through interviews, researchers emphasized that peer influence, promotional 
endorsements by social media figures, and the persuasive appeal of winning substantial amounts 
from minimal wagers all contribute significantly to the increasing normalization of online 
gambling in the Philippines. One bettor interviewed by Rappler disclosed how easily individuals 
can conceal their identities and access these platforms.2 This persists despite the provisions of 
1 https://www.capstone-intel.com/survey-64-pinoys-aware-of-online-betting-are-actively-engaged  
2 https://www.rappler.com/philippines/online-betting-sites-push-youth-gambling-addiction  
August 4, 2025
2:42 pm
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Republic Act No. 9287, which sets the minimum legal gambling age at 21 for both casinos and 
licensed online gambling sites. This ease of access, particularly among underage users, makes the 
issue especially alarming. This concern is further supported by Ella Kristina Domingo-Coronel, 
Research and Publications Director of Capstone-Intel, who noted that “one major contributor to 
its growth is the increasing accessibility and convenience of online platforms for betting. With the 
widespread availability of internet access, bettors can easily place their bets from anywhere, at any 
time, using their desktop or mobile devices.”3 
This bill therefore seeks to reclaim our financial tools from predatory gambling operators 
by banning the integration of mobile wallets and super-apps with online gaming platforms, 
prohibiting in-app gambling promotions, and imposing strict age and betting limits. It also 
establishes a public-health framework, dedicating tax-derived funds for rehabilitation, prevention 
campaigns, and regulatory enforcement. The objective is not to punish those who have fallen prey 
to addiction, but to dismantle the exploitative systems that profit from their losses. 
In light of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
REP. JUAN CARLOS “ARJO” C.  ATAYDE 
3 https://www.capstone-intel.com/survey-64-pinoys-aware-of-online-betting-are-actively-engaged  


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
20th CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ________ 
Introduced by. REP. JUAN CARLOS “ARJO” C. ATAYDE 
AN ACT 
PROHIBITING THE INTEGRATION OF MOBILE WALLET APPLICATIONS IN 
ONLINE GAMBLING PLATFORMS, LIMITING ACCESS THROUGH E-WALLETS 
AND SUPER APPS, IMPOSING ADVERTISING RESTRICTIONS, ESTABLISHING 
LOSS LIMITS, CREATING A PUBLIC HEALTH RESPONSE TO GAMBLING 
ADDICTION, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
1 
assembled: 
2 
SECTION 1. Short Title — This Act shall be known as the “E-Gambling Safeguard 
3 
Act.” 
4 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy — It is the policy of the State to protect its citizens, 
5 
especially minors, youth, and the economically vulnerable, from the harmful effects of online 
6 
gambling. The State shall ensure that digital platforms, financial technologies, and online content 
7 
do not facilitate gambling addiction or undermine financial well-being. Online gambling shall be 
8 
regulated within a framework that prioritizes, consumer protection, public health and social equity. 
9 
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms — For purposes of this Act: 
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a) Mobile Wallet – Any digital or app-based platform that allows users to store funds,
11 
make transactions, or transfer money electronically.
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b) Online Gambling Platform – Any website, mobile application, or digital system
13 
offering games of chance, including betting, casinos, e-sabong, or similar activities
14 
involving monetary risk.
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c) Super App – Any multifunction digital platform that integrates services such as
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messaging, shopping, payments, and content, including games.
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d) Integration – The embedding, linking, or enabling of any gambling-related
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service, payment, or promotional content within a mobile wallet or super app.
19 
e) Betting Limit – The maximum allowable monetary amount a user may wager over
20 
a defined period.
21 
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f) Loss Limit – The maximum allowable monetary amount a user may lose before 
1 
platform restrictions are triggered. 
2 
g) Self-Exclusion – A voluntary user-initiated process to ban oneself from gambling 
3 
platforms and services. 
4 
SECTION 4. Prohibited Acts — The following are strictly prohibited: 
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a) Integration of online gambling platforms into mobile wallets or super apps; 
6 
b) Use of e-wallets to directly fund gambling accounts or receive gambling winnings; 
7 
c) Embedding of links, QR codes, push notifications, pop-ups, or advertisements for 
8 
gambling services within mobile wallets or super apps;  
9 
d) Gambling advertisements in public spaces, broadcast media, digital platforms, and 
10 
influencer content targeting Filipino audiences; 
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e) Access to online gambling platforms by individuals under twenty-one (21) years 
12 
old. 
13 
SECTION 5. Consumer Protection Mechanisms — All licensed gambling platforms shall: 
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a) Implement a self-exclusion registry allowing users to ban themselves from 
15 
gambling services across platforms; 
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b) Enforce daily, weekly, and monthly betting and loss limits as determined by the 
17 
appropriate regulatory agency; 
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c) Automatically suspend user accounts for a minimum of thirty (30) days once 
19 
betting or loss limits are exceeded; 
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d) Ensure identity verification and KYC (Know-Your-Customer) protocols, 
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including age verification before allowing user access. 
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SECTION 6. Advertising and Promotional Ban — 
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a) Gambling advertisements shall be prohibited in public transportation systems, 
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billboards, radio, television, social media platforms, and in-app promotions; 
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b) Platforms that allow sponsored content (including influencers and streamers) must 
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reject gambling promotions targeting Filipino users; 
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c) Mobile wallet providers and super apps shall develop internal systems to detect and 
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block gambling-related promotions within their interfaces. 
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SECTION 7. Public Health Response and Use of Funds — A ten percent (10%) tax 
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shall be imposed on the gross revenues of licensed online gambling operators. All revenues from 
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this tax shall be allocated as follows: 
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a. 40% – Establishment and operation of gambling addiction rehabilitation programs 
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nationwide; 
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b. 25% – Nationwide awareness campaigns in schools, communities, and digital 
35 
media; 
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c. 20% – Monitoring, research, and data collection on gambling prevalence and harm 
37 
reduction; 
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d. 15% – Capacity-building for regulatory and enforcement agencies. 
1 
SECTION 8. Implementing Agencies — The following agencies shall be responsible for 
2 
the enforcement of this Act: 
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a) Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) – for regulating e-wallets and financial 
4 
technology compliance; 
5 
b) Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) – for 
6 
monitoring digital platforms; 
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c) Department of Health (DOH) – for managing rehabilitation programs and public 
8 
health response; 
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d) Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) – for licensing 
10 
and compliance of gambling platforms; 
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e) Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – for overseeing ad restrictions and 
12 
consumer protection. 
13 
These agencies shall issue the necessary Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) 
14 
within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act. 
15 
SECTION 9. Penalties — 
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a. Any mobile wallet provider, super app, or gambling operator that violates this Act 
17 
shall face the following: 
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i. First offense: Fine of ₱500,000 to ₱1,000,000 and warning; 
19 
ii. Second offense: Fine of ₱5,000,000 and suspension of license for 6 
20 
months; 
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iii. Third offense: Revocation of license and permanent disqualification 
22 
from operating in the Philippines. 
23 
b. Officers or employees found to have knowingly enabled violations may be held 
24 
civilly, administratively, or criminally liable under applicable laws. 
25 
SECTION 10. Separability Clause — If any provision of this Act is declared 
26 
unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. 
27 
SECTION 11. Repealing Clause — All laws, executive orders, administrative orders, 
28 
rules, and regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly. 
29 
SECTION 12. Effectivity — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete 
30 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
31 
Approved, 
32