Maya to cut access to online gambling via ‘Games’ feature by Aug. 16

MANILA, Philippines — Digital bank and e-wallet Maya will also be disabling in-app access to linked online gambling sites inside its "Games" feature by 8 p.m. on Saturday, August 16.  

"Until this time, customers may withdraw any remaining funds from linked gaming accounts back to their Maya Wallet via the Games feature," Maya said in a statement on Friday, August 15. 

The digital bank said users will only be able to withdraw funds from the online gaming provider’s website and app after the deadline. While the link has not been disabled yet, Maya advised its users to withdraw remaining funds from their gaming accounts to their Maya wallet. 

This comes after the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) ordered on Thursday, August 14, all financial institutions under its supervision to take down the icons and links of online gambling platforms from their mobile applications and websites. 

"We will always safeguard our customers and ensure uninterrupted availability of all our financial services," Maya said, adding that it will work closely with government regulators and industry partners.

Maya users will see a pop-up advisory when trying to access the e-wallet's "Games" feature.

GCash also issued an advisory on Thursday night informing its customers that the gaming section of the "GLife" feature within its app will be suspended after August 16, 8 p.m. 

Online gambling platforms became more accessible when they were allowed to link with e-wallet services, where users often keep small amounts of cash.

Gambling site advertisements also appeared within these apps, drawing criticism. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. is now looking into the matter and has taken steps to discourage gambling, including removing physical ads such as billboards and posters promoting online betting.

Bills have also been filed in Congress seeking tighter regulations, high taxes or even a total ban on online gambling, citing risks of addiction and debt.

The Senate also began its probe into online gambling in the country, seeking accountability from government agencies responsible for regulating access. 

RELATED: GCash to suspend in-app gambling access on ‘GLife’ by Aug. 16 | BSP orders e-wallets to unlink from online gambling