Gambling businesses in the Philippines establish PlaySafe Alliance to combat illicit gambling sector

In the bustling world of online gambling, a new alliance has emerged with a mission to promote responsible gaming, ensure regulatory compliance, and protect consumers. The PlaySafe Alliance, consisting of 18 gambling operators and one law firm, is a recent development aimed at tackling the issue of the illicit gambling market in the Philippines [1][2][3][4].

Established on August 11, 2025, the alliance works closely with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to foster a safer and more transparent online gambling environment. Its primary goal is to promote online gambling standards in the Philippines [1][2].

The PlaySafe Alliance has several key objectives. These include implementing responsible gaming measures, collaborating with regulators, launching initiatives to combat illegal gambling operators, conducting public awareness and education campaigns, and establishing an independent advisory panel [1][2].

Responsible gaming measures include self-exclusion programs, age verification, and strong Know-Your-Customer (KYC) processes, helping players manage gambling habits and prevent addiction. The alliance also aims to collaborate with regulators like PAGCOR to enhance oversight, compliance, and governance, especially in marketing and advertising practices [2].

One of the most significant challenges the alliance aims to address is the issue of illegal and unlicensed gambling operators. These operators are identified as the primary source of gambling-related social harms, including underage access, uncontrolled betting, and financial distress [2][5].

To address this, the alliance plans to launch initiatives to combat illegal gambling operators. However, the exact nature of these strategies remains undisclosed [2].

In addition to these initiatives, the alliance also plans to conduct public awareness and education campaigns on the risks of online gambling, safe gambling practices, and support resources including addiction treatment programs and a 24/7 National Gambling Helpline [1][2].

The alliance also envisions establishing an independent advisory panel involving local and international experts on responsible gaming regulation, public health, financial technology, and consumer advocacy [2].

Lucas Dunn, an avid advocate for responsible play, is not directly associated with the PlaySafe Alliance. However, his expertise lies in writing game and casino reviews, industry news, blogs, and guides. With a background in psychology and a passion for painting, Dunn's writing focuses on educating readers about gambling approaches and empowering them to make informed choices [6].

While the PlaySafe Alliance does not disclose its plans for working with the Philippine government or its strategies for tackling the illicit gambling market, it positions itself as a collaborative effort to ensure that online gambling in the Philippines is secure, ethical, and contributes economically, while protecting players from harm [1][2][4][5].

[1] PlaySafe Alliance Press Release, August 11, 2025. [2] PlaySafe Alliance Website, accessed on September 1, 2025. [3] Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Press Release, August 11, 2025. [4] The Manila Times, "PlaySafe Alliance Aims to Promote Responsible Gambling in the Philippines," August 12, 2025. [5] The Philippine Star, "PlaySafe Alliance to Combat Illegal Gambling in the Philippines," August 13, 2025. [6] Lucas Dunn's Personal Website, accessed on September 1, 2025.