Gambling is not income
Gambling can cause financial and personal harm. A game does not owe you a recovery after a losing session. If you choose to play and are eligible, treat the full amount spent as an entertainment cost you may lose.
21+ and other restrictions
PAGCOR’s responsible gaming information prohibits people under 21 and identifies other restricted groups, including people in its restricted-person database. Age alone does not establish eligibility. Do not create accounts for someone else, share access with minors or try to evade exclusion.
Practical boundaries
- Protect money for bills, food, transport, tuition and savings.
- Set an affordable loss limit before a session and do not raise it during play.
- Choose a finish time, take breaks and keep gambling away from work and study.
- Do not borrow, chase losses or gamble to manage distress.
- Use available deposit limits, cooling-off and exclusion tools where appropriate.
When limits are not enough
Hiding transactions, borrowing, repeated failed attempts to stop and damage to relationships are reasons to seek help. You do not need to wait for a crisis. Consider telling a trusted person, limiting payment access through legitimate tools and asking a qualified professional for support.
Official Philippine support routes
PAGCOR’s responsible gaming page links to platform-account help, self-exclusion information and the national problem gambling resource. Start there for the current official destinations.
- PAGCOR online self-exclusion application, as linked by PAGCOR. Read the scope and process before submitting personal information.
- National problem gambling resource, linked by PAGCOR for current support information.
- GambleAware educational resources; its treatment services focus on Great Britain.
Family members and friends
Offer support without shame. Protect household finances and your own wellbeing. Do not provide loans to chase losses or take over the person’s account. Seek professional guidance about boundaries and available support.
Further reading
Read our practical responsible gambling guide. Laging maglaro nang responsable. Choosing not to play is always valid.