Responsible gaming: play within limits
Only adults aged 21 and over should gamble. Set a money limit and a time limit before you start, never chase losses, and stop if play affects your money, work or family. PAGCOR lists self-exclusion options and accredited help centres.
Set limits before you play
- Decide a money limit you can afford to lose, never money for food, rent, bills or debt.
- Set a time limit and an alarm.
- Use deposit limits, session reminders or cooling-off tools if your account offers them.
- Don't borrow, use credit or sell belongings to play.
- Don't gamble when you're stressed, drunk or trying to escape a problem.
Warning signs
PAGCOR describes problem gambling as betting more than you meant to, playing longer than planned, or repeatedly trying to win back losses. Other signs include:
- Borrowing, selling belongings or missing bills because of gambling.
- Thinking about gambling constantly.
- Hiding play from family or friends.
- Feeling anxious, low or hopeless about money or gambling.
Self-exclusion and blocking tools
PAGCOR runs an online self-exclusion application portal (osea.pagcor.ph) and a family-exclusion process for spouses, children or parents of someone who needs help. These cover PAGCOR-regulated gaming.
For offshore sites such as WOW88, ask support to close your account or apply a self-exclusion, and consider a gambling-blocking app on your devices.
Where to get help in the Philippines
| Organisation | Contact |
|---|---|
| Gamblers Anonymous Philippines | 0915 938 2808 · gaphilippines.com |
| National Problem Gambling (NPGH) | 0919 170 0788 · (02) 8248 9568 · npgh.ph |
| Bridges of Hope | 0917 509 8826 · bridgesofhope.com.ph |
| Gam-Anon Philippines (for families) | gam-anonphilippines.org |
PAGCOR lists these help centres and its self-exclusion options on its responsible gaming page. If you are in immediate danger or thinking about harming yourself, call 911.
Keep gambling away from minors
- Don't share accounts or devices with anyone under 21.
- Use parental controls and app locks on shared phones.
- Log out after every session.