DFNN Inc., a leading gaming technology firm, has called on legislators to clearly differentiate between online gambling platforms and legacy land-based gaming outlets as regulatory reforms are considered. This develops in response to a bill filed by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, which seeks to tighten rules for online gaming, including raising the minimum gambling age from 18 to 21 and imposing higher minimum cash-in and top-up amounts.
DFNN emphasized that its physical gaming outlets operate under strict regulatory oversight from PAGCOR, employing robust KYC procedures, facial recognition, and compliance with minimum age laws. The company warned that applying uniform restrictions across distinct gaming models could unintentionally drive lower-income or casual players toward unregulated offshore platforms lacking consumer protections.
While supporting stronger safeguards and responsible gaming initiatives, DFNN called instead for the need for “proportionality and precision” in applying new regulations. The firm highlighted the economic contributions of its community-based gaming operations, such as job creation and local partnerships, and reiterated its commitment to working with regulators and lawmakers to craft balanced, effective policies.
“There is a valuable opportunity to strike the right balance—strengthening accountability while preserving the viability of regulated, locally embedded operators,” DFNN said.
Earlier, a legal expert and other industry voices claimed that existing PAGCOR-regulated platforms already implement strong consumer protections like audits, KYC, and security. They argue against blanket restrictions, warning such moves could push users to unregulated markets and hurt revenues. Instead, they advocate for targeted enforcement and proportional reforms. This supports DFNN’s stance: that reforms should be precise and nuanced, balancing responsible gaming with the benefits of well-regulated, community-rooted operators.
