Licensed e-sabong operator Lucky 8 Star Quest welcomed the enactment of the SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) Registration Act as this will help curb illegal gambling in the country.Lucky 8 Star Risk and Compliance Manager Rommel Cruz said the new law will complement gambling regulations, as well as help rid the country of illegal gambling.The SIM Registration Act was signed by President Marcos on Oct. 10.“The new law will also help intensify Lucky 8 Star Quest’s electronic Know-Your-Client (eKYC) procedures, in which e-sabong players who provide false identification can be eliminated,” Cruz said. “It will help control illegal gambling in the country. This will also intensify measures that Lucky 8 Star Quest has been advocating for eKYC.”“I’m hopeful that developments like this continue so we can help address the concerns of the public, especially on providing controls on player identification for e-sabong and limiting access to individuals aged 21 years old and above,” Cruz added.Upon registration, players will be required to submit and declare their basic information, recent photo, valid government ID, and source of funds. These requirements are imposed not only on the players, but on agents and operators, as well. These data are digitally recorded and follow security safeguards, similar to the requirements for SIM registration.Under SIM Registration Act, all end-users are mandated to register their SIM within 180 days or face deactivation.More regulations for e-sabong are being pushed by industry stakeholders in a bid to stop the proliferation of illegal operations, create a more stringent framework, and help the economy.