BSP & PAGCOR Crack Down on Illegal Payments, Fake Casino Licenses in PH

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and PAGCOR are stepping up efforts against illegal online gambling payments and the spread of fake casino licenses across the Philippines, as part of a new regulatory campaign in 2026.

Stricter Oversight for E‑Wallets and Payments

BSP has announced new rules that target e‑wallet operators like GCash and Maya, aiming to block all unauthorized gambling transactions and freeze accounts connected to illegal or offshore casino sites. All payment service providers are now required to verify gambling operator licenses and deny service to blacklisted brands.

PAGCOR Warns of Fake “Lucky 7” Gaming Certificates

PAGCOR has issued a national alert regarding fraudulent “Lucky 7 Gaming” certificates. Several scam operators were found using forged documents to appear legal and target Filipino players. PAGCOR reminds the public: all legitimate casino licenses can be verified on their official website.

Advice for Players

• Always check the operator’s PAGCOR license on the official PAGCOR site before depositing funds.
• Avoid casino brands promoting Lucky 7, unverifiable licenses, or offers via direct e‑wallet transfers.
• If in doubt, contact PAGCOR support or your e‑wallet provider to verify legitimacy.

The crackdown is expected to further reduce the number of illegal online casinos and make the PH market safer for responsible gambling in 2026.