PAGCOR, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, is the government body that licenses and regulates gaming in the Philippines, including online casinos and sports betting. If you play on a PAGCOR-licensed site, you are playing on a platform that has to follow Philippine rules on player identity, fair play, payments and responsible gambling.
What PAGCOR does
- Licenses operators. Only operators that meet PAGCOR’s requirements can legally offer online gaming to players in the Philippines.
- Sets the rules. PAGCOR’s rules cover who can play, how accounts are verified, how games and payments work, and how operators advertise.
- Protects players. Licensed operators must offer responsible gambling tools and follow PAGCOR’s Responsible Gaming Code of Practice.
- Acts against illegal sites. PAGCOR works with the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center and the National Telecommunications Commission to report and block illegal gambling sites.
What a PAGCOR license means for you
| On a PAGCOR-licensed site | On an unlicensed site |
|---|---|
| Your identity is verified before you deposit, which protects your account | Anyone can open an account, including with stolen identities |
| The operator must follow PAGCOR’s rules on payments and payouts | No regulator checks whether winnings are paid |
| Responsible gambling tools such as self-exclusion and betting limits are required | Tools may be missing or not work |
| You can raise a complaint with a regulator | You have little or no recourse if something goes wrong |
| Advertising must follow PAGCOR and Ad Standards Council rules | No rules on misleading promotions |
Recent PAGCOR rules players should know
- Verification before your first deposit. You must submit your name, contact details, a valid government ID and a live selfie holding your ID before you can deposit. (AGBrief, Feb 2026)
- No credit cards or crypto for betting. Licensed platforms may not accept credit cards or cryptocurrency for bets. (PAGCOR, Dec 2025)
- Gaming removed from e-wallet apps. Since August 2025, you can no longer access gaming from inside the GCash or Maya apps. Deposits and withdrawals are made from the operator’s own cashier instead.
- A national helpline. Since May 2026, the 24/7 National Problem Gambling Helpline (02-8248-9568) offers free counselling to players and families. (PAGCOR)
- Offshore gaming is banned. The Anti-POGO Act (RA 12312) bans offshore gaming operations in the Philippines.
How to check if a site is PAGCOR-licensed
- Go to PAGCOR’s official verification page: pagcor.ph/pagcorguarantee.
- Look for the site’s name and web address in the list of licensed online gaming platforms.
- Check that the address in your browser matches exactly. Fake sites often copy names with small spelling changes.
- If the site isn’t listed, don’t register or deposit.
A PAGCOR logo on a website is not proof by itself. Logos are easy to copy, so always check the official list. For a full checklist, read How to Tell If an Online Casino Is Legit.
Who can play on PAGCOR-licensed sites
You must be 21 or older and not a student. Government officials connected with government operations, members of the AFP and PNP, and people on the National Database of Restricted Persons may not gamble. See Responsible Gambling Explained for details.
Frequently asked questions
Is online gambling legal in the Philippines?
Yes, for players aged 21 and over on platforms licensed by PAGCOR. Playing on unlicensed sites carries legal and financial risks.
Does PAGCOR guarantee I’ll get paid?
PAGCOR regulates licensed operators and sets rules for payments, which gives you far more protection than an unlicensed site. Always read the operator’s withdrawal terms too.
Can I still use GCash at online casinos?
Gaming is no longer available inside the GCash app. Some licensed operators still list GCash as a deposit and withdrawal option in their own cashier. Check each operator’s payment page.
What do I do if I have a problem with a licensed operator?
Contact the operator’s support first. If it isn’t resolved, you can raise it with PAGCOR.
