Philippine Senators Endorse Biometric Verification for Gambling Payments Fr

Published Date : 7/18/2025 

Philippine senators have welcomed the central bank's initiative to implement biometric verification and other measures to curb gambling payments fraud, emphasizing the need for responsible use of digital services and protection of vulnerable groups. 

Some senators in the Philippines have positively received a move by the country’s central bank to address the challenges faced by banks and electronic money issuers in online gambling payments.

Recently, two lawmakers quoted by the Philippine News Agency hailed the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) for proposing changes aimed at controlling gambling payments fraud.

In a statement at the start of this month, the bank announced that it was going to “issue a circular meant to protect users of digital platforms from risks associated with online gambling, in line with the BSP’s financial consumer protection agenda and financial health goals.”

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is quoted as saying, “The BSP’s decisive action to tighten online gambling payment rules is a monumental step toward the responsible use of digital services. Daily caps, time limits, and biometric verification can help curb the alarming rise of gambling addiction, especially among the youth.” He added that the BSP reforms align with legislative efforts to control online gambling irregularities. Gatchalian also called for a total ban on gambling activities in the country.

In a related move, the Department of Information and Communications Technology is working with social media influencers to ensure the removal of gambling-related content from their platforms, a move that has received approval from lawmakers.

Senator Pia Cayetano commented, “These actions send the right signal—that promoting gambling is not acceptable, especially when it targets our most vulnerable sectors.” She highlighted the negative impact of gambling on students and workers, noting that they often bet away their allowances and earnings, leading to risks of addiction, debts, and distress.

The BSP has already circulated the policy draft and is reviewing feedback to strike “a balance between protecting consumers and preserving access to digital payments for licensed businesses.”

Gambling payments fraud is a growing issue worldwide, particularly as fraudsters use sophisticated AI tools to bypass Know Your Customer (KYC) systems. Between 2022 and 2024, online gambling fraud increased by 74 percent, resulting in an estimated $1 billion in annual losses. This has prompted industry operators to consider biometric identity verification.

A Filipino senator also recently introduced a bill to amend the national ID law over concerns about data privacy and identity theft.

The BSP's initiative is seen as a crucial step in safeguarding the financial well-being of citizens while maintaining the integrity of digital payment systems in the Philippines. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the central bank's proposed solution to gambling payments fraud?

A: The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is proposing to issue a circular that includes measures such as daily caps, time limits, and biometric verification to protect users of digital platforms from risks associated with online gambling.

Q: Why are daily caps and time limits important in this context?

A: Daily caps and time limits are important because they can help curb the rise of gambling addiction, especially among young people, by limiting the amount of money and time individuals can spend on gambling activities.

Q: What role do social media influencers play in this initiative?

A: The Department of Information and Communications Technology is collaborating with social media influencers to ensure the removal of gambling-related content from their platforms, which helps in reducing the promotion of gambling activities.

Q: How has gambling fraud increased in recent years?

A: Between 2022 and 2024, online gambling fraud increased by 74 percent, resulting in an estimated $1 billion in annual losses, pushing industry operators to consider biometric identity verification.

Q: What other legislative action is being taken to address gambling-related issues?

A: A Filipino senator has introduced a bill to amend the national ID law over concerns about data privacy and identity theft, which is another step in addressing gambling-related issues and protecting citizens' data. 

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