Casino Plus, one of the Philippines’ leading licensed online gaming platforms, has reaffirmed its commitment to player security by maintaining a PHP1-billion (US$16 million) surety bond designed to strengthen financial protection and operational transparency.

Backed by PhilFirst Insurance, the surety bond serves as a financial guarantee aimed at supporting player confidence and reinforcing Casino Plus’ compliance with the regulatory standards of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

Casino Plus CEO Evan Spytma said the company continues to prioritize accountability and player trust as the country’s digital gaming industry evolves.

“Our PHP1-billion surety bond reflects how serious we are about player protection, transparency, and responsible operations,” Spytma said. “We understand that Filipino consumers are becoming more careful about where they place their money, which is why financial safeguards remain a key part of our platform.”

The company noted that the protection framework forms part of its broader efforts to create a safer and more reliable online entertainment environment, alongside its ongoing investments in customer support systems, Know-Your-Customer (KYC) protocols, and responsible gaming initiatives.

Industry observers have pointed to increasing consumer awareness around financial security, particularly as economic pressures continue to affect household spending across the Philippines. Rising fuel costs and inflation linked to global geopolitical tensions have also contributed to more cautious consumer behavior.

Earlier this month, PAGCOR reported that the Philippine gaming industry generated PHP87.6 billion in gross gaming revenue during the first quarter of 2026, down 15.9 percent year-on-year. The decline was largely attributed to softer performance from the electronic gaming segment, which includes e-games, e-bingo, poker, and related digital gaming operations.

Despite the softer industry numbers, Casino Plus said it remains focused on strengthening long-term trust through regulated operations and enhanced player protection measures.

The company also reiterated its support for responsible gaming, reminding users that gaming should remain a form of entertainment and not be viewed as a source of income or financial relief.

Casino Plus operates under full PAGCOR regulation and continues to position itself as a secure and compliant online entertainment platform in the Philippine market.

Casino Plus has secured a ₱1-billion surety bond from PhilFirst Insurance to strengthen player protection and reinforce financial safeguards amid growing economic pressures on Filipino households.

The online gaming operator said Monday that the surety bond further strengthens its commitment to protecting player funds while ensuring compliance with the regulatory standards set by Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.

Unlike promotional guarantees, a surety bond serves as a legally binding financial safeguard designed to cover obligations if certain conditions are not met, subject to applicable terms and conditions.

Casino Plus said its partnership with PhilFirst Insurance highlights the company’s continued focus on transparency, accountability, and trust within the regulated online gaming sector.

As consumers become more cautious with spending due to rising living costs, the company emphasized the importance of financial safeguards and regulatory oversight in protecting users.

“We understand that Filipinos today are becoming more mindful of where and how they spend their money,” said Evan Spytma.

“Our ₱1-billion surety bond reflects how seriously we take player protection. It reinforces our commitment to operating with financial discipline, transparency, and accountability,” Spytma added.

The company also noted that it continues to invest in know-your-customer (KYC) security protocols, customer support infrastructure, and responsible gaming measures as part of its long-term player protection strategy.

Casino Plus said it remains focused on building a secure and accountable gaming environment supported by clear safeguards and transparent operational processes.

“At Casino Plus, we built our platform on a simple but meaningful principle: entertainment should brighten moments, not take over lives,” Spytma said.

The company likewise reminded users that gaming should remain a form of entertainment and should never be treated as a source of income or financial relief.

Despite softer first-quarter results across the gaming sector, licensed online gaming operator Casino Plus remains optimistic about expanding its footprint in the country’s growing digital entertainment market.

The PAGCOR-regulated platform said it is strengthening its nationwide presence through a new partnership with actress and multimedia personality Ivana Alawi, aiming to connect with a wider audience while promoting responsible gaming practices.

The company said the collaboration forms part of its broader growth strategy as competition in the online gaming space continues to intensify.

“Alongside our growing roster of credible and trusted brand advocates, Ivana brings not only star power but also authenticity and strong audience connection — values that align with the Casino Plus brand. We’re excited to work with her on campaigns that also highlight responsible gaming,” the company said.

Casino Plus reiterated that gaming should remain purely a form of entertainment and encouraged players to play responsibly and within their limits.

The company also reminded users that gaming outcomes are based on chance and that previous winnings do not guarantee future success.

As part of its ongoing expansion, Casino Plus said it remains committed to supporting the government’s Responsible Gaming Code of Practice while continuously improving its digital entertainment offerings.

Industry data released by Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation showed that the country’s gaming sector generated gross gaming revenues of ₱87.60 billion in the first quarter, reflecting a 15.87 percent decline from ₱104.12 billion recorded during the same period last year.

Electronic gaming operations — including E-Games, E-Bingo, bingo, and poker — posted a combined 22.43 percent year-on-year decline from January to March.

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco attributed the slowdown to softer discretionary consumer spending, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, and continued inflationary pressures.

“We attribute the first-quarter dip to several factors, including softer discretionary spending amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and rising inflationary pressures,” Tengco said.

Despite the temporary slowdown, PAGCOR noted that operators continue investing in digital innovation, integrated entertainment developments, and responsible gaming initiatives as the industry positions itself for long-term recovery and sustained growth.