Composed of 19 founding organizations, the alliance was formally formed during a ceremony held in Taguig City, Mike Defensor, industry association spokesman and president of World Platinum Technologies Inc., said on Monday.

A former lawmaker, Defensor said that 70 percent of the online gambling market is illegal. Only 30 percent follow government regulations and pay proper taxes.

“That is why it is important to closely monitor these illegal online gambling operators and ensure the safe and responsible online gaming for all,” he added.

The members of the interim council of licensed online gambling operators include DigiPlus Interactive Corp. (BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, GameZone), World Platinum Technologies Inc. (KingPH, LuckyPH, QueenPH), Trojans Well Entertainment Corp. (Bet88), Gavin Ventures Inc. (OKBet), Playmate Leisure Solutions Corp. (PlayTime), Stotsenberg Leisure Park & Hotel Corp. (Casino Plus, Perya Plus), Jade Entertainment and Gaming Technologies Inc. (Jade Sportsbet), Meta Interactive Software Solutions Inc. (123Go) and Enigma Software Solutions Inc. (Patokbet).

Defensor said the group’s formation of PlaySafe Alliance comes as the Philippines undergoes a comprehensive review of the local online gambling industry with lawmakers, regulators, and industry leaders now debating the best path forward to balance public welfare and economic contribution.

He said the alliance would collaborate and partner with government regulators particularly the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) to enhance industry oversight and compliance, especially around existing marketing and advertising practices.

It would also implement KYC (Know-Your-Customer) processes, age verification, and self-exclusion programs and combat illegal gambling by launching initiatives to help deter illegal and unlicensed operators, the group said.

Moreover, the alliance would launch public awareness and health campaigns on safer gambling and the risks of playing on unregulated platforms. It would also invest in nationwide research, education, prevention and treatment (REPT) programs for online gambling, including a 24/7 National Gambling Helpline, Defensor said.

“This alliance is not about competition, it’s about collaboration,” said Eusebio Tanco, founding member of the alliance and DigiPlus Interactive Corp. chairman. “By working as one, we can ensure that online gambling in the Philippines will be more secure, transparent, and beneficial to both players and the nation,” he added.

The group will elect its officers who would organize various committees to work on focus areas including, but not limited to, player protection, advertising and marketing governance, financial risk control, and combating illegal gambling.

Other organizations that joined the alliance were Arden Consult, GoTech Entertainment Inc. (Filbet), IGO Digital High Technology Inc. (iGO, PremyoFun), NEMO Interactive Group Corporation (Fairplay, Arionplay), Nextstage Entertainment Inc. (ANIBET), RAC Phil Corp. (LakiWin), Silver Goose 8 International Inc. (SG8), Skyline Nexus Corporation (Juan365), Webzoid System Solutions Corporation (Go Play Asia) and Xn Solutions Inc. (MegaPerya).