Responsible gaming
Gambling is entertainment with a cost. These tools and services help keep it that way.
The basics
- 21+ only. Gambling in the Philippines is for adults aged 21 and over.
- Budget first. Only gamble with money set aside for entertainment, never with money for rent, food, school fees or debt repayments.
- Expect to lose. Every casino game has a house edge. Over time, the operator wins.
- Never chase losses. Trying to win back what you lost is the fastest way to lose more.
Warning signs
Consider taking a break and talking to someone if you:
- spend more time or money than you planned, more often than not;
- borrow money, use credit or sell things to gamble;
- hide gambling from family or feel anxious when you cannot play;
- gamble to escape stress, or feel guilty afterwards.
Tools in your account
- Deposit limits: daily, weekly or monthly caps.
- Session reminders: alerts after a set time.
- Cool-off: a short break of hours to weeks.
- Self-exclusion: closing your account for months or longer. PAGCOR also runs a national exclusion programme.
Our budget and time limits guide shows how to set these up with a worked example.
Free, confidential support
- Gambling Therapy: free online support and live chat in several languages.
- Gamblers Anonymous: peer support meetings, including online.
- National Center for Mental Health: the Philippine government's mental health service, with a crisis hotline.
Protecting minors
Keep your devices locked, never share account details, and use parental controls if children use your phone. See the mobile safety checklist.
More answers are in the FAQ. If you need to talk to us, use the contact page.