Philippines Launches Biometric ID for Online Gambling

Published Date : 8/8/2025 

The Philippines is set to implement new rules to mitigate gambling harms, including the use of biometric identity verification. This move is part of wider efforts to bring online gambling under control. 

The Philippines is finalizing new rules to mitigate the harms associated with gambling, including the introduction of biometric identity verification, which will include facial recognition. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the Philippine Central Bank, announced this significant step on Wednesday. The new regulations will require banks, digital wallets, and other financial service providers to adopt stronger safeguards to ensure that only eligible individuals can use their funds for online gambling.

Aside from biometric identity checks, the financial authority also plans to introduce daily limits on gambling-related transfers and time-based restrictions on gambling payments. Additional tools to be implemented include personal spending caps, voluntary breaks, and self-exclusion from gambling transactions.

These upcoming rules are part of a broader effort by Philippine lawmakers to bring online gambling under control. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian highlighted the importance of these measures last month, stating, “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.”

However, the Senator is also advocating for a complete ban on gambling within the country. Other government officials, including Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, argue that an outright ban could drive the industry underground. According to Recto, illegal online gambling still accounts for roughly 60 percent of the market, leaving only 40 percent of the industry legitimately registered and contributing to the treasury through taxes.

Other countries are also taking steps to reduce the harms associated with online gambling. As of January, Brazilian users of online betting, casino, and cryptocurrency platforms must undergo mandatory face biometric verification. A July survey by Casinos Blockchain showed that 67 percent of Brazilian users feel comfortable providing a selfie for identity verification in these sectors.

Kenya’s Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) mandates that users submit a selfie holding their national ID card, while in Argentina, online gambling platforms are required to implement identity verification using the country’s Registro Nacional de las Personas (RENAPER), the national digital ID.

These measures are part of a global trend toward stricter regulations and enhanced identity verification to ensure the responsible use of digital services and to protect vulnerable individuals from the potential harms of online gambling. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the main purpose of the new rules in the Philippines?

A: The main purpose of the new rules is to mitigate the harms associated with gambling, including the introduction of biometric identity verification to ensure only eligible individuals can use their funds for online gambling.

Q: What additional measures are being introduced besides biometric identity checks?

A: Additional measures include daily limits on gambling-related transfers, time-based restrictions on gambling payments, personal spending caps, voluntary breaks, and self-exclusion from gambling transactions.

Q: Why is Senator Sherwin Gatchalian advocating for a complete ban on gambling?

A: Senator Gatchalian is advocating for a complete ban on gambling to further curb the rise of gambling addiction, especially among the youth, and to promote responsible use of digital services.

Q: What are the concerns about a complete ban on gambling in the Philippines?

A: Some government officials, including Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, are concerned that a complete ban could drive the industry underground, where it would be more difficult to regulate and could lead to increased illegal gambling activities.

Q: What are some other countries doing to reduce the harms from online gambling?

A: Other countries, such as Brazil, Kenya, and Argentina, are also implementing measures like mandatory face biometric verification, selfie submissions with national ID cards, and using national digital IDs to ensure responsible gambling practices. 

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