Casino gambling in the Philippines is governed by two specific jurisdictions within the Islands: the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the Cagayan Special Economic Zone.
- Online Casino Gaming Philippines Entertainment
- Casino In Philippines
- Online Casino Gaming Philippines Website
- Online Casino Gaming
These two gaming districts handle the licensing and regulation of the various brick and mortar casinos found throughout the nation. Along with land-based casino gambling, PAGCOR also licenses and regulates online gambling businesses.
It is not illegal to operate an online casino in the Philippines, however, it is illegal to offer casino gambling services to Filipino players when operating an online casino that is based within the nation’s borders. The Philippine player pool is catered by the vast selection of off-shore online casino operators, meaning that they are not licensed by the national authorities. As a result, a key consideration for Philippine players making the most of their online gambling exploits is to choose a suitable and trustworthy casino site.
Despite being licensed by a Filipino district, the online gambling businesses operating out of this region are not permitted to offer their services to Filipino players. They are legally allowed to offer their betting and gambling services to players outside of the Philippines Islands.
Are Online Casinos Legal In The Philippines?
It is not illegal to operate an online casino in the Philippines, however, it is illegal to offer casino gambling services to Filipino players when operating an online casino that is based within the nation’s borders. However, Filipino players still have access to legally sanctioned online casino gambling through licensed and regulated offshore casino destinations online.
If there were any doubt as to this fact, a court case from 2012 resulted in a ruling that verified that the Philippines gambling laws do not prohibit players from participating in placing bets online. This means that Filipino players can legally enjoy online casino gambling at destinations that are licensed, regulated and located outside of the Philippines.
In addition, it is perfectly legal for players to access and bet at mobile sites as long as they are operated by licensed and regulated offshore casino operators. You can learn more about the legalities in different areas in our guide to Philippines legal casino gambling by region.
Gambling Laws Explained
Presidential Decree No.1067-a (1975)
PD No. 1067-A created the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and defines legal gambling in the Philippines. The Decree also defines PAGCOR’s powers and functions and how funding will be provided to the government corporation and how revenue will be collected and used by PAGCOR. Signed into in law in 1975 by then president Ferdinand Marcos.
Presidential Decree No. 1602 (1978)
PD 1602 creates harsher penalties for illegal gambling activities. Section 1 lists activities that are usually associated with legal gambling in the Philippines: Basketball, Boxing, Slots, Poker, Soccer, Football, Volleyball, Horse racing, Pinball and about every other sport you can think of. It states that the punishment for wagering on those games without proper licensing shall be punished by prison and a fine up to 6 thousand pesos (PHP). Section 2 gives an informants reward of 20%.
Presidential Decree No. 1869 (1983)
PD 1869 is the charter of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) of how to properly regulate the gambling industry. It gives guidelines for PAGCOR to follow to authorize, license, and regulate all games of chance within the Philippines while laying out the legal framework for corporations to obtaining licenses.
Republic Act 7922 (1994)
The Republic Act 7922 established a special economic zone in the Cagayan Valley to be known as the Cagayan Economic Zone while including neighboring islands and the city of Freeport. Section 4 of the act lays out governmental principals while section 5 creates the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA). The rest of the act contains legal information about CEZA compensation, supervision, auditing and legal counsels.
Republic Act 9287 (2004)
The Republic Act 9287 was written into law on April 2nd, 2004 and was enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippine Congress. The Act increases the penalty for illegal numbers games and its implementing rules.
Executive Order No. 13 (2017)
The second section (2) of Executive Order No. 13 order clearly defines illegal gambling as any activity not authorized by an operator’s licensing authority.Transcribed to combat illegal number game operators in an effort to endorse state-run lottery services. Section 3 reinforces the policy of not allowing Filipino players access to Philippine licensed online casinos and sportsbooks. Outside players are targeted by Filipino online casinos while Philippine players are still allowed to play offshore legally sanctioned online casinos and sportsbooks.
Republic Act 10927 (2017)
Implemented by the Philippine Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) on November 4th, 2017 the Republic Act 10927 entails special requirements for all Philippine-based casinos to follow. The law requires for casino owners to implement risk management policies and to keep records for their players for at least 5 years.
Casino owners are now ordered to allow compliance checks when the AMLC suspects a case of money laundering or terrorist financing. This new act also affects players. Players are now required to give more detailed information about themselves before setting up an account and no more aliases will be accepted.
The AMLC will also now be notified whenever there is a bet or a transaction of $100,000 USD or more. Failure to abide by this new act will result in stiff fines and/or penalties and could lead to a revoke of operating licenses.
House Bill 8910
HB-8910 is a proposed bill that would eliminate e-sabong nationwide if accepted into law. It specifically targets online cockfight betting and seeks to strengthen the Games and Amusement Board's oversight of all professional sports.
Where Can I Find Legally Licensed Online Casinos Accepting Filipino Players?
You could easily do a simple Google search to find a list of online casinos that welcome players from the Philippines. Please allow us to caution you from this course of action. Just because an online casino accepts Filipino players does not make it a legally sanctioned online casino or a high-quality destination that operates according to industry standards and licensing requirements.
Online Casino Gaming Philippines Entertainment
One of the objectives for creating this resource guide was to assist players in finding the leading Filipino online casinos operating legally within the industry as well as helping players avoid questionable, predatory or low-quality destinations.
This guide provides a listing of recommended Philippines friendly online casinos. The list was comprised following an intense review process that closely examined online casinos that accept players from the Philippines. We carefully evaluated their legal standing within the industry, the existence and validity of their compliance certifications, the quality of their software solutions, services and security profile, and their reputation within the industry.
We literally review hundreds of components of each brand, effectively eliminating undesirable locations while revealing the top brands worth visiting. You can find a list of legal online casinos that accept players in the Philippines here.
Why Can’t I Participate At Online Casinos Located In the Philippines?
The gambling laws in the Philippines are quite strict when it comes to operating an online casino within the nation’s borders. While these businesses are free to offer casino gambling to players anywhere outside of the Philippines, the law clearly specifies that it is illegal for locally licensed internet gambling sites to offer their services to Filipino citizens.
Thankfully, the law does not simultaneously make it a crime for Filipino players to place bets online, hence players are free to engage in legal online casino gambling from offshore gambling sites. With the gambling industry in the Philippines currently flourishing, it is not outside the realm of possibilities that the laws may evolve to expand the online gambling opportunities within the island region, however, there have not been any moves in this direction thus far.
What Is The Minimum Gambling Age In The Philippines?
The gambling laws in the Philippines have established that gamblers must be at least 21 years of age in order to participate in casino gambling. This law is taken seriously by the Filipino government in an effort to eliminate the risks of underage gambling.
Violators will face legal consequences. While the laws in the Philippines generously allow offshore online gambling, the legal minimum gambling age still applies to this type of gambling entertainment. That means that if an online casino or poker site allows players to register at age eighteen, Filipino players must still wait until they are twenty-one years old to place bets at these sites. These restrictions established within the nation’s laws trump the policies of gambling websites.
Are There Any Other Forms Of Legal Online Gambling Available For Philippines Residents?
Yes, there is. Legally sanctioned offshore gambling sites that are available to Filipino players include legal Philippines online poker sites and legal Philippines online sports betting sites. The same rules apply to offshore poker sites and sportsbooks, so as long as the gambling sites are not operated within the Philippines, then there is nothing illegal about enjoying real money gambling at these destinations.
Residents of the Philippines can enjoy legal online casinos if they are licensed and regulated by a legitimate offshore jurisdiction. Licensed offshore online casinos can provide Filipinos with numerous legal gaming options not otherwise permitted to them domestically such as poker, sports betting, bingo, keno, scratch cards, slots, and much more.
This guide will detail everything residential Philippine players should know about gambling online at licensed and credible casino destinations from banking methods to region laws and more.
Visitors to the Philippines are not restricted from access to domestic casinos as these have built the country as a successful and thriving gambling destination for international players to experience. Casino resorts populate the islands; however, land-based casinos in certain regions have the authority to restrict various forms of gaming from their selection. Therefore, to experience the full variety of games available we recommend using licensed Philippines legal online casinos.
Online casinos recommended here are thoroughly evaluated and each have casino reviews available on this site.
Are Online Casinos Legal In The Philippines?
Filipino players can legally participate in online casino entertainment as long as the destination at which they are playing is located and regulated outside of the Philippines. The Filipino gambling laws do not prohibit players from participating in legally licensed and regulated offshore Internet gambling.
This fact was further supported by a 2012 court ruling that found that there are no provisions in the Presidential Decree or any other gambling law in the Philippines that makes it illegal for residents to place bets online. The locally run, government licensed online casinos in the Philippines are prohibited from offering their services to Filipino citizens, requiring players to turn to offshore sites.
The gambling laws in the Philippines are directed towards the business operators and not the players. You can gain more understanding about the difference between domestic and offshore online gambling in our guide to Philippines legal casino gambling by region.
Betonline Sportsbook And Casino
If you are looking for a trusted site to gamble at, look no further than Betonline. They are one of the biggest and most reputable gambling establishments on the internet and gladly welcome all players from the Philippines. Betonline offers casino games, poker, sports betting and even a live dealer casino. Plus they are mobile friendly which is always nice.
Betonline has been around for over a decade and has earned a superb reputation for being fair and honest with players and always paying winners in a timely manner. They are a great option for all Asian players. New Philippine players can claim a 100% bonus up to $3,000 over your first 3 deposits.
Best Legal Online Casinos For Philippine Players
| Site Name | Bonus Offer | Accepts Filipinos? | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% Max $3,000 | Review | ||
| 100% Max $100 | Review | ||
| 150% Max $750 | Review | ||
| 100% Max $1,000 | Review |
What Determines Whether Or Not An Online Casino Is Legal For Players In The Philippines?
The formal credentials and the destination of an online casino determine whether or not it is legal for Filipino residents to gamble there. Gambling laws in the Philippines have deemed it illegal for state licensed online casinos to offer their services to citizens of the islands. However, there are no laws dictating where players can bet, hence it is perfectly legal for Filipino gamblers to enjoy offshore gambling online as long as the destination is legally licensed and regulated through a legitimate governing jurisdiction.
What is ironic is that the Philippines is home to the only online gambling licensing jurisdiction in Asia, yet Filipino players cannot engage in betting services offered from the businesses which are regulated by the First Cagayan Leisure and Resort Corp (FCLRC) in the Cagayan Valley.
All other online gambling businesses located in the Philippines are licensed and regulated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). These destinations are also off limits to Filipino players. The only gambling sites that are legally accessible are licensed and regulated offshore casinos that accept players from the Philippines.
How Do I Find A Legal Online Casino Accepting Players In The Philippines?
Casino In Philippines
Your best bet is to rely on the information provided by industry professionals who are involved in the evaluation and ranking of online gambling sites. They are trained to analyze online casino businesses and determine their legitimacy, quality and value to players.
Our team of online gambling analysts has placed each brand through an intense review process to reveal the premium casino destinations and expose the questionable and undesirable options. Each of our recommendations has been tested and approved by our pros, and is guaranteed to be legally licensed and regulated as well as extremely high quality.
What Types of Legal Online Casino Games Can Filipino Residents Play?
Slots
Legal Online Slots in the Philippines - This page will provide you with insight into what types of legal online slots games are available to Filipino players, as well as where to find premium online slot machines from licensed, premium online slots casinos.
Blackjack
Legal Online Blackjack in the Philippines - Legal Online Blackjack for Filipino Players – One of the most popular online and offline casino games, legal blackjack games are readily available online for Filipino players. Get the who, why and where from our this informational guide.
Roulette
Legal Online Roulette in the Philippines - Another very popular gaming venue in the Philippines and around the world, legal online roulette games provide convenient online access to a variety of roulette games, including American roulette, European roulette, and even French roulette. This guide will provide you with information about playing roulette online in the Philippines.
Baccarat
Legal Online Baccarat in the Philippines - This guide will reveal the best destinations for Filipino residents to enjoy legal online baccarat, as well as some helpful tips on learning to play for free.
Pai Gow
Legal Online Pai Gow in the Philippines - Pai Gow is one of the most popular casino games among Filipino residents. It is not wonder since it is an Asian inspired game. There are versions of this game available at some of the online casinos that legally accept players from the Philippines. You can learn the ins and outs of playing Pai Gow online legally from this guide.
Mahjong
Legal Online Mahjong In The Philippines - Mahjong is one of the oldest traditional table games available to play at online casinos. In recent years, the tile-based game has grown in popularity around the world and is now a go-to game for many players looking to wager on their strategy and skill.
Keno
Legal Online Keno in the Phillippines - Keno is a beloved numbers game that derived in China and has become popular around the world. The popular game is often described as a casino's lottery. Our guide to playing keno in the Phillippines will give you useful information involving the game and have you ready to try your luck.
Live Dealer Casino Games
Live Dealer Casinos in the Philippines - Live Dealer gambling online has become the latest craze in the Internet gambling industry, and the Philippines are no exception to this trend. Learn what live dealer games are and how to access them in this guide.
Mobile Casino Games
You will find that there are numerous Philippines mobile casinos available, all of which are compatible across most mobile devices and networks. These mobile casino applications are web based, mobile optimized apps that allow players to access their favorite casino games, fund their account and manage their preferences all from a smartphone or tablet.
Other Forms Of Legal Online Gambling For Filipino Gamblers
There are several other options for Filipino residents seeking licensed and regulated online gambling entertainment. Players can legitimately gamble at without violating any of the nation's gambling laws.
Sports Betting
Legal Online Sports Betting In The Philippines - A complete guide for betting on sports like Basketball, Baseball, Boxing, Football and Soccer legally for Filipino players. This section of our site also includes information specifically for those Filipino residents interested in learning more about legally sanctioned online sportsbooks offering Super Bowl 52 betting lines for Philippines residents.
Poker
Legal Online Poker in the Philippines - For anyone looking to play poker, we review the leading legally licensed sites here.
e-Sports
Electronic sports (e-Sports) is one of the newest things to produce betting odds. While e-sport betting has been around for a while it is just now starting to gain mass popularity on the betting circuit. Our guide to e-Sports betting will fill you in on all the details you need to know before placing a bet on video gamers.
Horse Race Betting
Horse race betting has been a long-standing tradition for many Filipinos. Our legal horse betting guide will cover all aspects of the sport and offer key pointers on how to benefit from online sportsbooks.
Online Casino Gaming Philippines Website
In the Philippines, players can gamble as long as they are 18 years of age.
The online gambling deposit methods available to Filipino gamblers include a variety of virtual banking options to accommodate multiple player preferences. You will find the following types of funding methods available: credit cards, debit cards, prepaid options, cryptocurrencies (such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dash, Litecoin), eWallets, and more. Visit our page deposit guide for Philippines players for more information.
You might find a few sites that offer gambling in Philippines Pesos. But most of them offer either USD, British Pounds or Euros. You can view current USD to Philippines Pesos conversion rates here.
Online Casino Gaming
Yea, I know a lot of them look too good to be true. I can assure you that these are in fact legitimate bonus offers and are simply a way for online casinos to attract new customers. We are gamblers too, so we only recommend the most reputable websites that we know can be trusted and will always pay on time.