SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Igaming operator Bet365 sent Philippine players notifications, serving notice that the operator would no longer accept wagers from accounts and IP’s connected to the Philippines.
The statement made public, notified existing Philippine customers that from the 28th of February the operator would no longer be taking bets and marketing its products to Philippine players. Players would be given a period to perform withdrawals of funds.
The decision taken by the operator comes after an internal review regarding Bet365 operations in the Asian igaming market. The operator did not give further details as to why the decision was taken to cease operations targeting the region.
Bet365 assured all Philippine based players and media partners that accounts and funds would be settled by the operator. Bet365 have also extended Philippine customer service agents to aid with withdrawal of funds for players in the region.
The Philippine betting market is yet to be liberalised, and is currently operated by a state provider – MegaSportWorld. It is unclear whether Bet365 will re-enter the market, should the chance of regulated igaming be allowed to foreign based sports betting and igaming operators.
