Philippine mobile wallet operator GCash will suspend access to in-app gaming through its GLife platform from 8 p.m. on Aug. 16, in line with a central bank order mandating tighter controls on online gaming, the company said in an advisory on Thursday.
The move complies with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Memorandum No. M-2025-029, which requires all BSP-supervised financial institutions to suspend in-app gaming features in mobile payment platforms and websites.
The policy aims to strengthen safeguards in the online gaming sector and address potential financial risks for consumers.
GCash, operated by Mynt, a venture of Globe Telecom, Ant Group, and Bow Wave Capital, said it would implement the necessary changes within 48 hours.
The company advised users to withdraw any funds from their gaming accounts to their GCash wallets via GLife before the suspension deadline. After 8 p.m. on Aug. 16, any remaining balances will only be accessible directly through the gaming merchant’s website.
“GCash supports adopting stronger safeguards on online gaming and will continue to work with regulators and industry partners to protect the financial health of Filipinos,” the statement said.
The BSP has in recent years introduced tighter regulations on digital payments, e-wallets, and gaming-related transactions, citing concerns about responsible gaming, anti-money laundering compliance, and consumer protection.
GCash is the country’s largest mobile wallet service, with over 94 million registered users as of mid-2025, offering digital payment, remittance, lending, and lifestyle services.
Its GLife platform integrates partner merchants, including gaming providers, directly into the app.
Business News Asia
