Responsible Gambling in the Philippines

What Is Problem Gambling?

Problem gambling — sometimes called gambling disorder or compulsive gambling — is the urge to keep betting despite harmful consequences. It is not a moral failing or a sign of weakness. It is a recognised behavioural condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age, income, or background.

In the Philippines, where both land-based casinos and online gaming are widely accessible, understanding the risks and recognising early warning signs is essential for every player.

Warning Signs to Watch For

• Spending more money or time on gambling than you originally planned.
• Chasing losses — increasing bets to try to win back money you have lost.
• Hiding your gambling habits from family, friends, or partners.
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling.
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling.
• Neglecting work, studies, or personal responsibilities because of gambling.
• Using gambling as an escape from stress, depression, or other problems.

PAGCOR's Responsible Gaming Program

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) operates a mandatory Responsible Gaming (RG) program for all licensed operators, both land-based and online. The program is built on three pillars:

Philippine Support Resources

How to Self-Exclude from Online Casinos

Self-exclusion is a formal process that blocks you from accessing gambling platforms for a fixed period. In the Philippines, PAGCOR-licensed operators are required to honour self-exclusion requests across their entire network.

1. Contact the customer support team of the casino where you hold an account.
2. Request a self-exclusion form or process. Most operators offer cooling-off periods (24 hours to 30 days) and full exclusion (6 months to 5 years).
3. For broader coverage, email PAGCOR's Responsible Gaming Division directly to request exclusion from all PAGCOR-licensed e-games sites.
4. Once confirmed, your account will be frozen and you will be barred from opening new accounts with the same operator using the same identity documents.

Setting Deposit Limits at PAGCOR-Licensed Casinos

Most PAGCOR-licensed online casinos allow you to set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit caps through your account settings. These limits are binding — once set, they cannot be raised without a cooling-off period, typically 24 to 72 hours.

We recommend setting your deposit limit to an amount you can afford to lose entirely, treating it as an entertainment budget rather than an investment. If an operator does not offer deposit limit tools, consider that a red flag and choose a licensed alternative.

Resources for Family Members

Problem gambling affects more than just the individual. Family members often experience financial stress, broken trust, and emotional exhaustion. Support is available:

• NCMH Crisis Line (1553) — available 24/7 for family members in distress.
• Gam-Anon — the companion support group for families of problem gamblers, offering peer meetings and coping strategies.
• PAGCOR Responsible Gaming Division — can provide guidance on self-exclusion and operator complaints.

International Resources