BSP Memorandum M-2025-029, in plain English
Everything written about this memorandum is either the central bank’s own PDF or a law firm briefing. Here it is in the words a player would use, and what it means for your next deposit.
Independent reviews of Philippine-facing casinos. No operator pays for placement or for a score — every site we point you to earned its place on its own record. Questions or corrections: contact [at] panaloguide.com
Who it applies to
Not to you, and not to casinos. It applies to banks and e-wallets — the institutions the central bank supervises. GCash and Maya are the two that matter to a Philippine player.
What it told them to do
Switch off gaming features embedded in their own apps and websites. In practice that meant the games section inside GCash’s GLife, closed from 16 August 2025, and the equivalent inside Maya.
The reason given was the sharp growth in online gambling turnover and its effect on household finances — a game one tap away inside the app people use for everything is a different thing from a casino you choose to visit.
What it did not do
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Did it ban online casinos? | No. PAGCOR-licensed sites operate as before. |
| Did it stop GCash cash in and cash out at casino sites? | No. That continues. |
| Did it change the legal age? | No. 21 and over, as before. |
| Is it permanent? | It stands until the central bank finalises its policy on gambling payments. |
What it means for you in one line
You open the casino site instead of a tile inside your wallet app. That is the entire practical difference. Deposits are still instant, payouts still land in minutes on the licensed sites, and the money still moves through GCash both ways.
Frequently asked questions
What is BSP Memorandum M-2025-029?
A directive issued by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in August 2025. It ordered the institutions it supervises, including e-wallets such as GCash and Maya, to suspend gaming features embedded in their own apps and websites.
Did it ban online gambling in the Philippines?
No. It applies to payment providers and the games built into their apps. Online casinos licensed by PAGCOR continue to operate legally for players aged 21 and over.
Can e-wallets still be used to pay casinos?
Yes. The memorandum removed games from inside the wallet apps. Using the wallet to cash in and cash out at a licensed casino site continued, and that is how most players fund accounts in 2026.
Where to play
Seven of the eight hold a PAGCOR licence, PHMacao a Curaçao one, and all eight take GCash directly, both ways — no crypto detour, no third-party wallet. Pick the one that fits how you play, start with the minimum, and cash out once early to see the route work.