The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Thursday issued a directive to all electronic wallets, banks and other supervised institutions to remove in-app gambling access links from their payment apps and websites within 48 hours.
The BSP issued Memorandum No. M-2025-029 which mandates the suspension of in-app gaming access in all BSP-supervised institutions (BSIs).
It said the policy-making Monetary Board issued Resolution No. 805 dated Aug. 14, 2025, approving the suspension of in-app gambling access from BSls’ [BSP-supervised institutions’] mobile payment apps and websites.
“In view of the surge in online gambling transactions and the heightened public concern on its financial health impact to consumers. the Monetary Board in its Resolution No. 805 dated Aug. 14, 2025, approved the suspension of in-app gambling access from BSls’ mobile payment apps and websites pending the issuance and implementation of the corresponding policy that provides standards and expectations for BSls in the provision of on line gambling payment services,” the BSP said in a statement.
“Accordingly, all BSls are hereby instructed to remove links providing in-app gambling access in BSls’ mobile payment apps and websites within 48 hours upon issuance of this Memorandum. ln-app gambling access includes any product/service that redirects an account holder to a gaming/gambling site,” it said.
The BSP said the suspension includes any product, service or feature that redirects an account holder to any gaming or gambling site.
It said the suspension would remain in place until its policy on online gambling payment services is finalized.
Leading e-wallets GCash and Maya agreed to follow the BSP order.
“Maya is ready to comply with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas directive to remove links to online gambling from its app. The update will be implemented in line with the BSP’s guidance,” Maya said in a statement.
“We assure customers that their accounts and transactions remain secure and fully operational. We remain focused on serving our customers while fully complying with regulatory requirements,” Maya said.
GCash said it would also “fully comply with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ proactive directive to remove links and icons that connect payment apps to online gambling platforms.”
“We share the BSP’s commitment to ensuring that digital financial services are used responsibly and in ways that protect the welfare of Filipinos. Once we receive the official directive, we will immediately enforce the necessary changes to ensure compliance and safeguard our users,” GCash said.
G-Xchange Inc. (GXI), the operator of mobile wallet GCash, said it would begin suspending access to in-app gaming beginning at 8 p.m. on Aug. 16, 2025, to comply with the BSP order.
GCash said it would implement the necessary changes within the next 48 hours. Access to gaming through its GLife feature will be suspended.
“Users may withdraw their funds from their gaming account back to their GCash wallet through GLife only until Saturday, Aug. 16 p.m.,” the company said in a statement.
After that time, users with remaining funds will need to access them directly through the gaming merchant’s website.
GCash said it supports stronger safeguards for online gaming and will continue to work with regulators and industry partners to protect the financial health of Filipinos.
The BSP said it issued the directive in light of the surge in online gambling transactions and its impact to consumers.
 has directed all banks and e-wallets, including popular services like GCash and Maya, to remove in-app gambling access links within 48 hours to protect consumers from the surge in online gambling transactions.){kind=link}