Responsible Gambling in the Philippines – Guide for Filipino Players
Read our article to learn about the responsible gambling practices in the Philippines. We will discuss the legal gambling environment and official regulators in the country, as well as the applicable tools for Filipino players’ protection and assistance.
What is Considered Responsible Online Gambling in the Philippines?
The PH online casinos committed to responsible gambling are the ones licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). This is the country’s official regulator which was established in 1977 with the purpose of regulating the land-based Filipino casinos.
Since 2016, PAGCOR has also been responsible for the online gambling sector in the Philippines. It is tasked with issuing remote gambling licenses for Filipino operators offering their services to offshore markets.
Interestingly enough, players from the Philippines are not allowed to gamble at local online casinos. They are available only for customers outside of the country. However, Filipino players are allowed to enjoy their favorite games at offshore casino sites.
Make sure to choose operators that apply the latest responsible gambling practices, including setting loss, deposit, and time limits. The safe online casinos in the Philippines give you the option to self-exclude from playing and work with reputable NGOs.
Who is Allowed to Gamble Online from the Philippines?
In some cases, it might be better for people to avoid gambling altogether. You must always approach gambling with caution, but more so if any of the following is valid for you:
- You are under the age of 21 – The legal gambling age in the Philippines is 21. People younger than that are strictly prohibited from engaging in any of the legal gambling activities in the country.
- You have battled addictions in the past – If you’ve battled any addictions in the past, we recommend you steer clear from gambling activities or at least be extra careful.
- You have a history of mental health issues – This is another thing you should take very seriously. If you or your loved ones have any history of mental health issues, we strongly suggest exploring alternative pastime activities.
- You are included in the National Database of Restricted Persons (NDRP) – This is an official list with the names and personal details of Filipino nationals who are legally prohibited from gambling in the country.
An essential part of responsible gambling in the Philippines is actually in the hands of players themselves. Always choose safe and licensed online casinos that follow the latest security regulations in the industry.
Filipino Responsible Online Gambling: Best Practices
The Gaming Licensing and Development Department of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has issued a Responsible Gaming Code of Practice. This includes the rules and guidelines that must be followed by players and land-based and online operators in the Philippines.
To make things easier for you, we will summarize the leading responsible gambling practices at your disposal. This will give you a clear idea of the resources and tools you have and can apply to prevent potential gambling addictions:
Stick to a Fixed Budget
If you want to gamble responsibly in the Philippines, you must start by setting a fixed budget. We strongly recommend that you never go over the specified amount. If you catch yourself exceeding it, then that is your cue to limit your gambling activities.
Overspending at land-based or online casinos in the Philippines is a clear sign of the development of gambling addiction. Not to mention that regular overspending may lead to serious financial problems and, consequently, emotional distress.
Set a Time Limit
Losing track of time is another significant red flag to be aware of, so you must set a strict time limit. Remember that gambling is only supposed to be a fun pastime activity.
Typically, the reputable casino software providers include a built-in clock in their games, which can help you. Setting both time and budget limits are the two main things you can do to keep your gambling habits under control.
Activate the Self-Exclusion Option
If you have taken all necessary measures to protect yourself from a potential gambling addiction but still face difficulties in controlling your impulses, then you should consider using the self-exclusion option. Here’s how to do that:
- Set a Mental Barrier on Gambling Urges – The first step is to set a mental barrier and try to control your gambling urges. Focus on minimizing and ultimately eliminating any time and money spent at online and brick-and-mortar casinos.
- Seek Self-Exclusion Help from a Responsible Gambling Entity – Refer to an official responsible gambling organization for advice on what’s the best course of action. Two of the most prominent NGOs available for Filipino players are Bridges of Hope and Gamblers Anonymous.
- Refer to Gambling Site for Self-Exclusion Options – If nothing else helps, you can ask the gambling site of your choice to familiarize you with the available self-exclusion options. In most cases, you can self-exclude for various periods of time, i.e., 6 months, a year, or indefinitely.
As you can see, the first thing you can do is try to identify the problem. You can do that via dedicated self-assessment tests that you can find at any legal online casino in the Philippines.
They include questions that will help you determine if you actually have a gambling problem. Then, you can ask for assistance from official responsible gambling entities and, ultimately, request to activate the self-exclusion option.
Define Clear Limitations
There are plenty of measures that Filipino players can apply to maintain their responsible gambling route. The most important thing is to define clear limitations. Here’s a list of options for you to try:
- Limit Monthly Spending on Gambling
- Take Regular Breaks
- Set a Loss Limit
- Find Other Hobbies
- Have a Designated Person You Can Rely on
- Set a Bet Size Limit
Limit the time you spend on gambling activities and cap your deposits and withdrawals. Make sure to take regular breaks from wagering and focus on other hobbies as well. All this will help you build a healthy gambling routine.
Obviously, there are many other ways to avoid gambling addiction. Feel free to apply anything you think will help you. If nothing works, then we strongly recommend you seek help from professional government and non-government responsible gambling organizations.
Don’t Hesitate to Seek Help if You Suffer from Gambling Addiction
If you have tried everything else and nothing has worked, then you can and, in fact, you should ask for assistance. There’s nothing to be ashamed of. The more you ignore the problem, the bigger it will become.
After all, the responsible gambling organizations in the Philippines operate with the sole purpose of assisting players if needed. They have various tools and techniques they can apply to successfully do that.
Responsible Gambling Organizations & Regulators in the Philippines
Our article on how to gamble responsibly in the Philippines will continue with more details about the leading regulators and organizations in the country. Each of them can help players in case of any gambling-related issues.
Philippines Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR)
Let’s start with the Philippines Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). This is the official gambling regulator in the country. PAGCOR is tasked with issuing licenses for the land-based casinos for Filipino players.
In addition, the Philippines Amusement and Gaming Corporation is responsible for regulating the local gambling sites operating offshore. In the table below, we’ve added some more details regarding the organization.
| 📛 Name of Authority: | Philippines Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) |
|---|---|
| 📍 Address: | PAGCOR MAIN CORPORATE OFFICE, IMET BPO Tower CBP-1A, Metropolitan Park, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, 1300 Manila, Philippines |
| ☎️ Tel. Number: | +632 8522-0299 | 8522-1357 | 8522-1245 | 8522-1324 |
| 📫 E-Mail: | info@pagcor.ph |
| 💻 Website | www.pagcor.ph |
| 💪 Core Tasks: | Licensing and regulating the Philippine-based online and offline gambling venues. |
| 👩👦 Support Groups: | No |
| 👫🏽 Meetings: | No |
PAGCOR has its headquarters in the city of Pasay, in the National Capital Region of the Philippines. You can contact the authority via email and phone. We suggest you also visit the official Philippines Amusement and Gaming Corporation website. Another licence body in the Philippines is the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators
Bridges of Hope
As stated on its website, Bridges of Hope is the biggest addiction treatment center in the Philippines. Its headquarters is in the city of Parañaque, but the organization has many other facilities spread throughout the country.
| 📛 Name of Authority: | Bridges of Hope |
|---|---|
| 📍 Address: | #364 Aguirre Ave., BF Homes, Parañaque City, Metro Manila |
| ☎️ Tel. Number: | +02 7622 0193 | +63 917 509 8826 |
| 📫 E-Mail: | boh.rehab@gmail.com, rehab@bridgesofhope.com.ph |
| 💻 Website | http://bridgesofhope.com.ph/ |
| 💪 Core Tasks: | Providing professional treatment for substance and behavioral addictions |
| 👩👦 Support Groups: | Yes |
| 👫🏽 Meetings: | Yes |
The main purpose of Bridges of Hope is to provide professional and private treatment for substance and behavioral addictions, gambling problems included. The organization is licensed and accredited by the Department of Health and the Dangerous Drugs Board.
Randy Dellosa Recovery Center
Randy Dellosa Recovery Center is an accredited center of the Department of Health in the Philippines. It offers in-patient and out-patient treatment services. To avoid overcrowding, the facility in Quezon City can take care of up to 30 people at once.
| 📛 Name of Authority: | Randy Dellosa Recovery Center |
|---|---|
| 📍 Address: | 105 Scout Rallos Street, Barangay Sacred Heart, Kamuning, Quezon City |
| ☎️ Tel. Number: | 0917 520 3509 | 0922 877 5972 | 3415-79-64 | 8921-35-97 |
| 📫 E-Mail: | lifechange.lcrc@gmail.com |
| 💻 Website | https://www.randydellosa.com/ |
| 💪 Core Tasks: | In-patient and out-patient treatment services |
| 👩👦 Support Groups: | Yes |
| 👫🏽 Meetings: | Yes |
You can contact the professionals at Randy Dellosa Recovery Center via email, phone, and by directly visiting them on-site. The organization’s responsible gaming program has over 25 years of experience in helping individuals with gambling addictions.
Gambling Therapy
Gambling Therapy is a global provider of online support for individuals affected by the negative consequences of problem gambling. The NGO has its headquarters in the West of England and is part of the Gordon Moody UK charity for gambling addicts.
| 📛 Name of Authority: | Gambling Therapy |
|---|---|
| 📍 Address: | Gordon Moody Unit 3, 1 Castle Court, Castlegate Way, Dudley, West Midlands, DY1 4RD |
| ☎️ Tel. Number: | N/A |
| 📫 E-Mail: | support@gamblingtherapy.org |
| 💻 Website | https://www.gamblingtherapy.org/ |
| 💪 Core Tasks: | Online support for people affected by problem gambling |
| 👩👦 Support Groups: | Yes |
| 👫🏽 Meetings: | Yes |
Gambling Therapy works with an international team of professional psychologists, psychotherapists, counsellors, and experienced peer support workers. The organization’s live support helpline can provide Filipino players with assistance in their native language. In fact, Gambling Therapy can help in 250 languages.
Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous is a self-funded, non-governmental responsible gambling organization available for many players across the world, the Philippines included. The Gamblers Anonymous International Service Office provides professional and reliable assistance for recovering gambling addicts.
| 📛 Name of Authority: | Gamblers Anonymous |
|---|---|
| 📍 Address: | Gamblers Anonymous International Service Office, 1306 Monte Vista Avenue, Suite 5, Upland, CA 91786 |
| ☎️ Tel. Number: | (909) 931-9056 |
| 📫 E-Mail: | isomain@gamblersanonymous.org |
| 💻 Website | https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ |
| 💪 Core Tasks: | Professional assistance for recovering gambling addicts |
| 👩👦 Support Groups: | Yes |
| 👫🏽 Meetings: | Yes |
The Gamblers Anonymous team is available via phone and email. There are also international meetings that you can attend in different countries and cities, the Philippines included. The latest meetings for Filipino players were in Baguio and Manilla.
Risks of Excessive Gambling in the Philippines
The risks of excessive gambling in the Philippines are the same as the risks in any other country. This is an addiction that can destroy your life and the lives of your loved ones.
Spending too much time and money on gambling can cause emotional and financial distress and even bankruptcy. In the worst cases, gambling addictions can evoke depression and anger issues, and even lead you to commit crimes.
What risks do Filipino players face when not gambling responsibly?
- Developing a gambling addiction
- Serious financial issues
- Amassing significant debt
- Losing job, family, and friends
- Depression, anger, and sadness
- Ruining the reputation and trust of people
The gambling laws in the Philippines are rather clear and strict, but you also have the responsibility to keep yourself safe. Play at legal online casinos with valid licenses issued from official regulators like the MGA and the UKGC.
Follow the responsible gambling guidelines in the country, and don’t hesitate to use any of the measures and tools available for Filipino players. All of this will help you avoid the negative consequences that may arise from irresponsible gambling habits.
Filipino Players Whom Gambling May Not Be Suitable For
If you consider yourself to be unsuitable for engaging in gambling activities, then it is best to find something else to do in your spare time. Take your weaknesses into consideration when making that decision.
Factors such as previous addictions and history of mental illnesses are a definite no when it comes to gambling. The same applies to people who face ongoing financial troubles. Here’s a few other things to consider:
- History with reckless gambling behavior
- Filipino players prompt to developing obsessions
- Filiino players with financial issues
- People below the legal gambling age
- Locals with history of mental issues
- Locals with any cognitive disabilities
Philippine Gambling Sites Without Responsible Behavior to Avoid
Filipino players must be mindful of the gambling sites they bet at. After all, it is your money and safety that are at stake there. Choose licensed online casinos in the Philippines that follow the latest security and responsible gambling practices in the industry.
Look for proof of credibility. Typically, you can find the logos of licensing authorities, independent auditing companies, and responsible gambling organizations at the footer of an online casino’s homepage. Here’s some red flags to stay away from:
- The site does not have a valid gambling license
- There are no self-exclusion options for Filipino players
- The operator does not partner with responsible gambling organizations
- External auditors have not verified the fairness of the operator’s RNG games
- The site has no proper SSL encryption
- The operator has exemplified prior actions of irresponsible gambling behavior
- The casino’s advertisement encourages players to gamble excessively
Choosing a legal online casino in the Philippines is the most crucial step of your gambling experience. This would mean that you can rely on the fact that the operator has taken all necessary measures to ensure you and your sensitive data are well protected.
Frequently Asked Questions from Filipino Gamblers
You are close to the end of our article about responsible gambling in the Philippines. Before you leave, make sure to check the short FAQ section below, including the most common questions from Filipino players online.