Philippine Casino Games and PAGCOR Rules
Popular games, how to check a licensed site and where to get help
Philippine Casino Games: What Players Need to Know
Gambling has a long history in the Philippines. Today the state body that oversees it is PAGCOR, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation. It licenses and regulates gaming, and it publishes advice for players.
This guide explains the main casino games and how to spot a licensed site. It also covers the 2024 ban on offshore gaming, safe play and where to get help.
Our earlier version said online gambling offered a low risk, high return profit. That is not true. Every casino game has a house edge, and most players lose money over time. We have rewritten the page with that in mind.
Philippine Gambling at a Glance
| Topic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Regulator | PAGCOR, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation |
| Minimum age | 21, for venues and online gaming platforms |
| Offshore gaming | Banned by Executive Order 74, issued on 5 November 2024 |
| Offshore licences | Cancelled effective 15 December 2024 |
| Licence check | pagcorguarantee.ph, run by PAGCOR |
| Self-exclusion | Through the PAGCOR OSEA portal |
| Helpline | National Problem Gambling Helpline, (02) 8248 9568 |
Who Regulates Gambling in the Philippines?
PAGCOR describes its website as the official source of information about the agency. It runs a regulatory section with manuals, rules and lists of accredited operators.
Our earlier version said PAGCOR began in 1976. We could not confirm the year on the PAGCOR pages we opened, so we leave the date out.
PAGCOR also publishes a Responsible Gaming Code of Practice. The code aims to reduce harm, prevent addiction and stop underage play. Our pages on gambling laws and gambling licences show how other regulators compare.
The 2024 Offshore Gaming Ban
Offshore gaming operators, known as POGOs, once served customers outside the country from Philippine bases. In November 2024, an executive order ended them.
PAGCOR says Executive Order 74 mandates the immediate ban of Philippine offshore gaming operations. It cancelled all Internet Gaming Licensees and Authorized Providers effective 15 December 2024.
PAGCOR also said the ban took effect on 31 December 2024. Former licensees and service providers that keep operating are illegal. In June 2025, it warned about fake sites that used its logo and fake licence certificates.
The Presidential Communications Office has also announced that the Anti-POGO Act of 2025 was signed into law. We did not review the law’s text, so check the details before relying on it.
The ban targets offshore operators. It does not by itself tell you which sites are legal for players. For that, use the PAGCOR checks below.
How to Check That a Site Is Licensed
PAGCOR says any gaming link not posted on its own website is illegal. It published a guide in December 2022 that lists signs of a licensed platform.
- Registration: you must register, and the site follows know your customer checks.
- First deposit: new members make an initial deposit of P1,000, which cannot be withdrawn for one month.
- Login checks: you confirm your identity with a one time PIN, a video call or biometrics.
- Responsible gaming notice: a PAGCOR reminder shows at login, and you accept the terms.
- Complaints process: the site gives you a way to complain.
- Official list: the site appears on PAGCOR’s list of registered sites.
That guide is from 2022, so the rules may have changed. Use pagcorguarantee.ph, which PAGCOR runs, to check a site before you play or pay. If PAGCOR does not list it, treat it as unsafe.
Popular Casino Games
Most casino sites offer the same core games. Here is a quick guide to each one.
Slots
Slots are the easiest game to learn. You spin the reels and match symbols. Results come from a random number generator, so past spins do not affect the next one.
Each slot has a return to player percentage, or RTP. This shows the share of stakes that the game pays back over a very long time. It does not predict a single session.
Blackjack
In blackjack, you try to beat the dealer by getting closer to 21 without going over. Skill matters here. Basic strategy lowers the house edge. Read our beginner blackjack strategies to learn the basics.
Roulette
Roulette is a game of chance. A ball lands on a numbered wheel, and you bet on where it will stop. No system can beat the maths over time. Our guide on why roulette is so popular explains the appeal.
Baccarat
Baccarat is simple. You bet on the player hand, the banker hand or a tie. Our guide on how to play baccarat covers the rules.
Poker
Poker is played against other players, not the house. Skill has a large role in the long run. See our poker guide and our page on video poker for the variations.
Live Dealer Games
Live dealer games stream a real dealer to your phone or computer. You see the cards dealt and talk to the dealer in a chat window. Many players like the real casino feel.
You can read more about the format on our page on live dealer casino games. Our reviews of Guts Casino, Mr Green Casino and BitStarz also describe live tables.
We have not verified that these three casinos accept players from the Philippines. PAGCOR says sites not on its list are illegal there. Check each site’s terms and PAGCOR’s list before you sign up.
You can also read about online casino games on a Philippine information site.
Common Myths About Casino Games
Several myths cause players to lose more than they planned. Knowing the facts helps you stay in control.
- Slots get due: each spin is independent, so a dry run does not make a win likelier.
- Systems beat roulette: betting patterns change how you stake, but they cannot change the odds.
- Bigger bonuses are better: large offers often carry strict wagering rules.
- You can win back losses: chasing losses usually deepens them.
- Online play is a safe income: it is entertainment, and it costs money.
The best approach is to treat any spend as the price of a night out. If you win, treat it as a bonus.
Bonuses and Promotions
Licensed sites may offer welcome bonuses, free spins and loyalty rewards. A land-based casino can offer free drinks or parking. Online sites tend to use bonus credit.
Every bonus has terms. Look for wagering requirements, game limits, maximum bets and time limits. Our page on casino bonus terms explains the key points.
Never take a bonus just because it is large. A big offer with strict terms can cost you more than a smaller one.
Mobile Play and Payments
Many Philippine players use a phone. Many sites work in a mobile browser, so check whether you need an app. A weak signal can interrupt a game, so check your connection before you play.
Withdrawals follow the site’s rules. Licensed sites run identity checks before they pay out. Our guide to casino withdrawals explains what usually causes delays.
Staying Safe and Getting Help
PAGCOR sets out clear player advice. It says gambling is not income and that you should not borrow to gamble. It also says to set time limits and avoid chasing losses.
- Age limit: you must be 21 or older.
- Self-exclusion: you can request it through the PAGCOR OSEA portal.
- Helpline: call the National Problem Gambling Helpline on (02) 8248 9568.
- Report illegal sites: PAGCOR points people to the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center.
- Complaints: use the licensed site’s own process first, then PAGCOR’s helpdesk.
Our page on casino safety has more tips on spotting risky sites.
Philippine Casino Games Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| A named national regulator with public guidance | Offshore gaming is banned, so sites must be checked carefully |
| Clear age limit and self-exclusion tools | Fake sites copy PAGCOR’s logo and certificates |
| Wide range of games, from slots to live dealer | Every game has a house edge |
| Mobile friendly play | Bonus terms can be strict |
Philippine Casino Games FAQs
Who regulates gambling in the Philippines?
PAGCOR, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.
How old do I need to be to gamble?
PAGCOR says you must be 21 or older.
Can I win big at online casinos?
You can win, but every game has a house edge. Most players lose over time.
How do I check if a site is licensed?
Use pagcorguarantee.ph and PAGCOR’s official list.
What did Executive Order 74 do?
It banned Philippine offshore gaming operations.
When were offshore licences cancelled?
PAGCOR says they were cancelled effective 15 December 2024.
What is the initial deposit at licensed sites?
PAGCOR’s 2022 guide says P1,000, held for one month.
How do I self-exclude?
Use the PAGCOR OSEA portal.
Where can I get help for problem gambling?
Call the National Problem Gambling Helpline on (02) 8248 9568.
Are live dealer games fair?
At licensed sites, games are tested and regulated, but each still carries a house edge.
Please gamble responsibly. Only play with money you can afford to lose, and use deposit limits if you need them.
19 March 2020: Philippines gaming regulator PAGCOR has announced the suspension of all gaming operations in Manila with immediate effect.
The decision comes in the wake of President Rodrigo Duterte’s address to the nation on Thursday night in which he placed Metro Manila under community quarantine to prevent the further spread of the COVID-19.
The suspension applies to land-based casinos, both PAGCOR-owned and operated as well as all licensed and integrated resort-casinos, electronic game (eGames), bingo (traditional and electronic), sports betting, poker and slot machine clubs, and other activities regulated by PAGCOR.
All will remain closed for the duration of the National Capital Region (NCR) community quarantine imposed by the government.
IAG understands casinos have been given until midnight tonight to close.
PAGCOR said the extreme measure was taken in order to support the government’s efforts in containing the virus, with the regulator opting to prohibit public gatherings in its gaming venues and licensed properties.
“This measure is intended to ensure the safety of both gaming employees, and the general public,” PAGCOR said.
Restaurants and hotels are allowed to stay open, although all are discouraged from hosting large functions or events.
The suspension doesn’t apply to the POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) industry, however PAGCOR said that only a minimum number of workers will be allowed in their workplaces with the remainder “restricted to their respective living quarters where they will observe social distancing and quarantine protocols.”
PAGCOR casinos located outside the National Capital Region remain open but will also see operations suspended in any instance where the local government declares community quarantine.