PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation) and most major Philippine officials are pushing for stricter regulation of online gambling rather than a total ban, saying it’s the only way to protect players, increase tax revenues and keep illegal operators out of the country.
Some lawmakers and public figures in the Philippines have called for a complete ban on online gambling, citing addiction among youth and concerns about fraud. But PAGCOR, fintech companies, and licensed casino operators are lobbying for smarter controls: digital KYC, strict payment rules, advertising limits, and higher age requirements, instead of driving the market underground.
Several new bills propose raising the minimum deposit for casino players, restricting e-wallets like GCash and Maya, and setting a 10% gaming tax for all online gambling. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is working on new regulations for online payments to reduce fraud and underage gambling.
PAGCOR has blocked over 75% of detected illegal casino sites and issued alerts about fake licenses and fraudulent brands. The regulator warns Filipino players to only use properly licensed platforms and always check PAGCOR’s official list of legal operators.
PAGCOR’s CEO, Alejandro Tengco, says strict controls—not prohibition—help the country earn billions of pesos in taxes and create new jobs. Top Filipino casino brands are now adding digital KYC, self-exclusion, and live support to promote responsible gambling and keep players safe.
Online gambling revenue in the Philippines is set to reach new highs in 2026, with experts projecting ₱450 billion or more as mobile slots and e-wallet payments continue to grow.