Responsible Gambling

Online casinos are built to be entertaining, and they’re also built so the house wins over time. That’s fine as long as gambling stays a paid hobby with a budget. This page is for when it starts to feel like more than that.

Need to talk to someone now?

PAGCOR runs a national problem gambling helpline. It’s confidential and open to players and to family members affected by someone else’s gambling.

Both numbers are listed on PAGCOR’s responsible gaming page. Check there if a number doesn’t connect — contact details can change.

Is it still fun? A quick self-check

Answer these honestly. If you say yes to more than one, it’s worth taking a break and talking to someone.

  • Do you bet more than you planned to, or keep playing to win back losses?
  • Have you borrowed money, used bills money, or sold things to keep playing?
  • Do you hide how much you play from family or friends?
  • Do you feel restless or irritable when you try to cut back?
  • Has gambling caused arguments, missed work, or trouble with money?

Habits that keep it under control

  • Set the budget before you log in, and treat it as spent. Don’t top up mid-session.
  • Use the limits in your account. Licensed operators offer deposit limits, session reminders and time-outs. Set them on a calm day, not after a loss.
  • Don’t chase. The next spin doesn’t remember the last one.
  • Keep gambling money separate from your savings and your e-wallet for daily expenses.
  • Play only on PAGCOR-licensed sites. Unlicensed sites don’t have to honour exclusions, limits or withdrawals.

Blocking yourself: PAGCOR’s exclusion program

PAGCOR lets you ban yourself from licensed gaming for a fixed period. According to PAGCOR’s player exclusion page:

  • Self exclusion can be set for 6 months, 1 year or 5 years. The first six months can’t be cancelled, and the ban lifts automatically when the period ends.
  • Family exclusion lets a spouse, child or parent apply for someone who needs help, for 6 months, 1 year or 3 years.
  • You’ll need the application form from PAGCOR, a photocopy of a government-issued photo ID and two recent 2×2 colour photos. If you don’t apply in person, PAGCOR asks for a selfie or video call to confirm it’s you.
  • Completed applications can be emailed to [email protected].

An exclusion covers PAGCOR-licensed operators. It does nothing on unlicensed sites, which is one more reason to stay away from them.

21 and over only

Gambling in the Philippines is for adults aged 21 and over. Licensed operators verify age and identity before you can withdraw. If you’re a parent, keep your e-wallet and casino logins on a device your children can’t open.

21+

Gambling is for adults 21 and over. Only play with PAGCOR-licensed operators, set a budget, and stop when it stops being fun. Need help? See our responsible gambling guide.