Insider Spotlight
Why it matters
The BSP recently issued Memorandum No. M-2025-029 mandating the suspension of in-app gaming access in mobile payment apps and websites operated by BSP-supervised institutions. The order, which affects e-wallets, banks, and other payment service providers, comes amid concerns over the financial and social impact of online gambling.
In a statement posted on its Facebook account on the evening of Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, GCash said it will implement the required changes within 48 hours.
What’s changing for users
The bigger picture
GCash stressed its support for “adopting stronger safeguards on online gaming” and pledged continued collaboration with regulators and industry partners “to protect the financial health of Filipinos.”
The BSP suspension will remain in place until the regulator finalizes a policy on online gambling payment services. For the payments sector, the measure could reshape how financial apps integrate gaming services, potentially prompting providers to reconfigure or drop certain in-app features.
GCash is the country’s largest e-wallet operator, serving tens of millions of users, making its compliance a significant step in the industry-wide rollout of the BSP order.
— Edited by Daxim L. Lucas
