Responsible Gaming
Gambling should be entertainment, not a way to earn money. Always play for fun, set clear limits, and never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose. If gambling stops being enjoyable, take a break and seek support.
Age Verification
You must be at least 21 years old — the legal age for casino gambling in the Philippines — to access gambling services. PAGCOR-licensed venues and online platforms are required to verify your age. Providing false information about your age is a serious offense.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
- Chasing losses by gambling more to win back money.
- Hiding gambling activity from family or friends.
- Lying about time or money spent on gambling.
- Neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities.
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble.
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut back.
- Using gambling as a way to escape stress, anxiety, or depression.
Self-Help Tools
Many PAGCOR-licensed casinos and betting platforms offer practical tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit limits: Set a maximum amount you can add to your account daily, weekly, or monthly.
- Loss limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose in a set period.
- Reality checks: Receive periodic alerts showing how long you have been playing and how much you have spent.
- Time-outs: Take a short break from gambling for a period you choose.
- Self-exclusion: Block yourself from gambling for a longer period, from months to permanent exclusion.
Support Organizations
If gambling is affecting your life or someone you care about, these organizations provide free, confidential help. Contact them directly.
- Philippines: PAGCOR Responsible Gaming Program – www.pagcor.ph | National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) Crisis Hotline: 1553 or 0966-351-4518
- United Kingdom: GamCare – www.gamcare.org.uk | GamStop – www.gamstop.co.uk
- Australia: Gambling Help Online – www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Canada: Responsible Gambling Council – www.responsiblegambling.org
- United States: National Council on Problem Gambling – www.ncpgambling.org
- Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – www.bzga.de
For other countries, contact the national problem gambling helpline in your region.
Seek Help
If you recognize any of the warning signs in yourself or a loved one, do not wait. Reach out to a support organization today. Help is free, confidential, and available 24/7 in many locations. You are not alone, and taking the first step is a sign of strength.