Gambling should be something you do for fun, with money you can afford to lose. Most people manage that fine. But it’s easy to drift, and online casinos are open all day, every day, on the phone in your pocket. This page is about keeping it under control.
Set your limits before you play
- Decide on a budget for the week and treat it as spent the moment you deposit it.
- Set a time limit too. An alarm on your phone works well.
- Use the deposit limits in your casino account if the site offers them.
- Never borrow money to gamble, and never gamble with money meant for bills.
Signs it’s becoming a problem
- You spend more than you planned, more often than not.
- You go back the next day to win back what you lost.
- You hide how much you play from family or friends.
- You feel restless or irritable when you can’t play.
- Gambling is affecting your work, studies or relationships.
Where to get help
If any of that sounds familiar, take a break and talk to someone you trust. PAGCOR runs a self-exclusion programme that bans you from licensed casinos and gaming sites for six months, one year or five years. The first six months can’t be cancelled, which is the point. Close family members can also ask PAGCOR to exclude someone. If gambling is affecting your health or your money, talking to your doctor is a good first step.
You must be 21 or older to gamble in the Philippines. If you’re under 21, please leave this site.