Law
Is Online Gambling Legal?
The Philippines allows licensed domestic online gambling, but has banned offshore gaming operations. In 2026, Filipinos can still play legally on platforms regulated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), while offshore gambling, particularly Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), is strictly prohibited.
On this page · 3 sections
What the POGO ban changed
In 2024, the Marcos administration enacted Executive Order No. 74, which ordered all POGOs and Internet Gaming Licensees to cease operations by 31 December 2024. This move was made in response to the controversial role of POGOs in Philippine society, with claims of links to corruption, tax avoidance, and money laundering.
The legal ban on offshore gaming was finalized with the enactment of Republic Act No. 12312, signed in October 2025, which declared all offshore gaming operations in the Philippines as "banned and unlawful." The law stated that both local and foreign entities are prohibited from conducting or offering offshore gaming.
What remains legal
While the POGO ban is in effect, legal online gambling still exists in the Philippines, regulated by PAGCOR. PAGCOR's Electronic Gaming Licensing Department is responsible for issuing licenses for gaming operations within the Philippine territory. As of 2026, PAGCOR remains the official regulator for legitimate gaming sites in the country.
Adults in the Philippines are eligible to play.
The law that finished the offshore industry
Republic Act No. 12312, also known as the Anti-POGO Act of 2025, puts a complete stop to offshore gaming in the Philippines.
The law penalizes violations with up to 12 years' imprisonment and fines up to 50 million Philippine pesos.
The bills that would go further
In 2025 and 2026, a number of related bills were filed in Congress, taking a harder stance on gaming. However, as of 19 September 2026, their statuses remain unresolved:
- Senate Bills 47 and 2347
- House Bills 1876 and 10982
These proposals introduce stricter regulations and would further limit advertising and payments for online gambling sites, with some initiatives pushing for a complete ban.
The regulatory middle ground
However, the legal landscape is far from settled. Many Filipinos are still able to gamble online legally, while the country grapples with numerous proposals that seek to further tighten regulations and limit access to gambling.
