DigiPlus Interactive Corporation, the company behind leading platforms BingoPlus, ArenaPlus and GameZone, has raised the bar for responsible gaming in the Philippines by launching an advanced Responsible Gaming tab within its platform. This groundbreaking feature provides players with a powerful set of tools to take control of their gaming habits. With options to set daily gaming durations, customise specific gaming schedules and establish daily loss limits, DigiPlus ensures that players can enjoy gaming responsibly, within boundaries they define for themselves.

For example, players can now set a gaming duration that ensures their gaming is confined to specific hours, such as during evenings, or lunch breaks, without interfering with work or family commitments. Players can also set a daily loss limit, such as not exceeding ₱1000, ensuring they never risk more than they are comfortable with. These self-defined features allow players to enjoy the fun and excitement of gaming while ensuring that it never becomes a source of stress or financial strain.

The Responsible Gaming feature is at par with global standards, reflecting DigiPlus’ leadership in adopting best practices for player welfare. These self-exclusion measures, commonly implemented by leading international gaming operators, empower players to prioritise their wellbeing while enjoying the fun and excitement of gaming. By integrating these tools directly into the app, DigiPlus guarantees easy accessibility and seamless user experience, demonstrating a proactive commitment to protecting players from potential harm.

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“The launch of the Responsible Gaming tab in our platforms reflects our deep commitment to our players’ welfare. We believe gaming should always remain a safe and enjoyable activity. By giving our players the tools to manage their gaming habits responsibly, we’re setting a new benchmark for responsible gaming, one that aligns with global standards and emphasizes our care for every individual who engages with our platforms,” said DigiPlus Interactive Chairman Eusebio Tanco.

This new and innovative feature is complemented by DigiPlus’ broader responsible gaming initiatives through its social development arm, BingoPlus Foundation. The “Tamang Laro, Tamang Panalo” webinar series provides education on maintaining a healthy gaming-life balance, managing emotional and mental health, and recognising when to seek intervention. Personalised financial coaching sessions are also offered to guide players in making sound financial decisions, as demonstrated in the support provided to the jackpot winners, the most recent one being the ₱312 million Lucky Spin winner.

DigiPlus’ self-exclusion tools and educational programmes align with PAGCOR’s mission to promote responsible gaming and create a safer environment for players. This latest advancement in responsible gaming is a testament to DigiPlus’ vision of creating a sustainable and enjoyable gaming ecosystem that puts people first.

In a landmark moment for India’s esports ecosystem, Skillhub Online Games Federation (SOGF) proudly announces its collaboration with the Global Esports Federation (GEF) to bring the Global Esports Tour (GET) 2025 to Mumbai. This historic event marks the first-ever Global Esports Tournament in India, further cementing the nation’s role as an emerging force in global esports.

The first ever Global Esports Tournament in Mumbai will bring together top-tier professional esports athletes and teams to compete on a world-class stage. This initiative is a direct outcome of the Strategic Framework Agreement signed between SOGF and Global Esports Federation (GEF) in October 2024, signifying a long-term commitment to developing esports across South Asia, including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

The Global Esports Tour Mumbai will not only showcase high-stakes competition but also serve as a launchpad for India’s esports talent onto the international stage. By hosting a prestigious event of this scale, SOGF aims to bolster India’s esports industry, drive investments, and create unparalleled opportunities for athletes, developers, and organizations within the ecosystem.

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Sibtain Baqri, Chief Executive Officer of SOGF, expressed his excitement about this milestone,“Bringing the Global Esports Tour to India is more than just a tournament—it’s a movement. This event underscores India’s potential as a global esports powerhouse, providing athletes with an international platform to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level. SOGF is committed to nurturing this ecosystem, and GET Mumbai is just the beginning of our larger vision to shape the future of esports in India and South Asia.”

Echoing this sentiment, Rustam Aghasiyev, Chief of Staff & Operations at Global Esports Federation, stated: “We are thrilled to expand our global footprint with the Global Esports Tour in Mumbai, which will introduce a new wave of opportunities for Indian and South Asian esports communities. Our partnership with SOGF is a significant step toward fostering an inclusive, competitive, and world-class esports environment in the region.”

Global Esports Tour, the GEF’s professional team series, showcases elite-level esports athletes and teams competing in high-stakes tournaments across iconic global cities. The arrival of GET in India underscores GEF’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and delivering impactful experiences for athletes, audiences, and stakeholders alike.

Thailand’s Transport Ministry has given the green light for Bangkok Port to have an entertainment complex.

Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit on Friday said his deputy, Manaporn Charoensri, will form a committee on the feasibility of developing an entertainment complex in areas such as ports.

He said multiple locations are being considered.

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Regarding Bangkok Port in the Klong Toey area, Mr Suriya said the location has great potential, given it is a sizeable plot of land with scenic river views and the capability to be transformed into a yacht marina.

Mr Suriya said Bangkok itself is a suitable location for such a development.

As for Laem Chabang or Pattaya having an entertainment complex — which would also house a casino — he said the decision lies with a national committee, and the Transport Ministry has no authority to fix a location.

An academic who specialises in social problems that are allegedly caused by gambling, has expressed concern over whether the government can handle more problems from lawful gambling as it cannot even resolve the existing issues of illegal gambling dens and websites.

He said the gambling “demons” that have been haunting cities, territories and countries like Las Vegas, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Singapore are now creeping their way into Thailand.

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He also pointed out that casinos typically target adults, whereas online gambling seems easily accessible to younger people.

Controlling age restrictions online is far more challenging, increasing the risk of addiction among children and adolescents, he said.