At PH Casino Advice we review and compare PAGCOR-licensed casinos, but we do not operate any gambling service and we do not take bets or hold your money. Whatever you choose to play, please set limits and stop the moment it stops being fun.
Need help? Call (02) 8248-9568, the National Problem Gambling Helpline, which PAGCOR publicises but which is not a PAGCOR number (24/7).
Email: support@npgh.ph · www.npgh.ph ↗
What problem gambling is
PAGCOR’s Responsible Gaming Code of Practice describes problem gambling as an urge to keep gambling despite harmful negative consequences or a desire to stop, and as gambling behaviour that disrupts any major area of life: psychological, physical, social or vocational. The term includes, but is not limited to, what is called pathological or compulsive gambling.
Verified from PAGCOR, 3 November 2026 · Source: RG Code of Practice v6.0 ↗
Warning signs of problem gambling
If a few of these sound familiar, it may be time to pause and ask for help:
- Spending more money or time gambling than you planned.
- Chasing losses — betting more to win back what you lost.
- Borrowing money, selling things, or skipping bills to gamble.
- Gambling to escape stress, boredom, anxiety, or low mood.
- Hiding or lying about how much you gamble.
- Feeling restless or irritable when you try to cut down or stop.
What it can do to you and your family
PAGCOR’s Responsible Gaming page lists what problem gambling can lead to: debt, missed bills and other money problems; borrowing, stealing or selling belongings to keep gambling; relationships with family and loved ones that suffer; and feeling hopeless, anxious or depressed. Over time it can feel as though gambling has taken over your life and you have lost control.
Verified from PAGCOR, 3 November 2026 · Source: PAGCOR Responsible Gaming ↗
Who may not gamble in the Philippines (21+)
Under Presidential Decree No. 1869 (the PAGCOR Charter), as amended by Republic Act No. 9487, and Civil Service Commission Resolution No. 2600111, PAGCOR lists these persons as prohibited from entering and playing in any gaming establishment, and from playing on any online gaming platform:
- Persons under 21 years of age.
- All officials and employees of the National Government, local government units (LGUs), autonomous regional governments, state universities and colleges (SUCs) and local universities and colleges (LUCs), and government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs) with original charters. Their mere presence in gaming establishments is also prohibited, except in the performance of official duties.
- Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), including the Army, Navy and Air Force, and members of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
- Persons included in the National Database of Restricted Persons (NDRP).
- Employees of licensees or Gaming Employment License (GEL) holders.
PAGCOR’s Responsible Gaming Code of Practice v6.0 (section III) also lists students at any school, college or university in the Philippines among the persons not allowed to enter, stay or play.
Verified from PAGCOR, 3 November 2026 · Sources: PAGCOR Responsible Gaming ↗, RG Code of Practice v6.0 ↗
How to stay in control
- Set a budget before you play and never go over it.
- Set deposit, loss, and time limits in the casino app — and keep them.
- Treat gambling as paid entertainment, not a source of income.
- Never gamble with money you need for bills, rent, or food.
- Take regular breaks and never chase your losses.
- Never gamble while upset, stressed, or under the influence of alcohol.
Self-exclusion and family exclusion (PAGCOR)
PAGCOR runs two exclusion (banning) programmes. An exclusion is implemented across all sites licensed and operated by PAGCOR — not just one app.
Self Exclusion
- For players who feel they are developing a problem with gambling.
- Periods: 6 months, 1 year or 5 years. The first 6 months cannot be revoked. The order is lifted automatically at the end of the period.
- Documents: the Self-Exclusion application form; a photocopy of a government-issued photo ID; two 2x2 colour photos (taken within the last 6 months, full face directly facing the camera, no hat, glasses, face mask or other facial accessory). If you do not submit in person, a selfie or video call is required for confirmation.
Self-Exclusion application form (PDF) ↗
Online application: PAGCOR Online Self-Exclusion Application portal (osea.pagcor.ph) ↗
Family Exclusion
- For a spouse, child or parent of someone who needs help with problem gambling.
- Periods: 6 months, 1 year or 3 years. The order is lifted automatically at the end of the period.
- Documents: the Family Exclusion application form; a photocopy of the respondent’s government-issued photo ID; a photocopy of the applicant’s government-issued photo ID or school ID; two 2x2 colour photos of the respondent (same photo rules); a selfie or video call if not submitted in person; and the respondent’s birth certificate if the applicant is a parent or a child (at least 18 years of age), or the marriage contract or certificate if the applicant is the spouse.
Where to send it: PAGCOR’s Player Exclusion page says applications can be emailed to ResponsibleGaming@pagcor.ph or dropped in the drop box at MET Live Building, Central Business Park 1-A, Macapagal Blvd. cor. EDSA Extension, Pasay City, together with the requirements.
Verified from PAGCOR, 3 November 2026 · Sources: PAGCOR Responsible Gaming ↗, PAGCOR Player Exclusion ↗
Limits inside the casino app
Every licensed casino must let you set deposit and loss limits, take a short cooling-off break, or self-exclude for a longer period. Look for these tools in the app’s account or responsible-gaming settings, or contact the operator’s support team and ask them to apply a limit or self-exclusion for you.
Where to get help (free & confidential)
Need help? Call (02) 8248-9568, the National Problem Gambling Helpline, which PAGCOR publicises but which is not a PAGCOR number (24/7). You can also email support@npgh.ph.
PAGCOR-accredited help centers
Verified from PAGCOR, 3 November 2026 · Source: PAGCOR Responsible Gaming ↗
Other support
If you or someone near you is in immediate danger, contact your local emergency services right away.
Contacting PAGCOR
- Problems with an online gaming platform — player account concerns, withdrawal issues, entry despite an active self-exclusion order, or winning disputes: PAGCOR Online Gaming Platform Helpdesk form ↗
- PAGCOR’s Responsible Gaming page: www.pagcor.ph/regulatory/responsible-gaming.php ↗
- PAGCOR’s Responsible Gaming Code of Practice v6.0 gives www.pagcor.ph/regulatory as its RG link and keepitfun@pagcor.ph as its RG email address.
- To report illegal gaming sites, PAGCOR’s Responsible Gaming page points to the CICC: www.cicc.gov.ph ↗
Verified from PAGCOR, 3 November 2026 · Sources: PAGCOR Responsible Gaming ↗, RG Code of Practice v6.0 ↗
Protecting minors
Online gambling is strictly for adults aged 21 and over. If you share a device with under-age family members, use parental-control or site-blocking software (such as GamBlock or Gamban) to keep gambling sites out of their reach.
Verified from PAGCOR, 3 November 2026 · Next review: 3 February 2027
Phone numbers, forms and contacts on this page were checked against PAGCOR’s own pages on the date above, and we re-check them every quarter. If anything here no longer matches PAGCOR, PAGCOR’s page is the one to follow. Call (02) 8248-9568 (tap to call). This page is general information, not medical or legal advice.