Legal Online Casinos

Legal online casinos in the Philippines now require users to submit valid government ID cards plus real-time selfies to make deposits, as the regulator has strengthened its Know Your Customer requirements. This new protocol aims to prevent players from sidestepping ID verification protocols. In addition, PAGCOR has prohibited operators from combining cashback programs with other promotional cash incentives in ways that exceed the prescribed caps.

On this page · 5 sections

1. Licensed casinos for Philippine players
2. How many operators hold a licence
3. What the advertising rules changed
4. Where to check a site
5. The rules behind a legal casino in the Philippines

Licensed casinos for Philippine players

How many operators hold a licence

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco said there was no need to lift the moratorium imposed by the regulator’s board in March 2024. He noted that while PAGCOR initially granted licences to 74 online gaming operators, the number has since fallen to 48.

What the advertising rules changed

Enforcement of gambling advertising rules has been tightened, including promotions involving social media influencers. Last year, PAGCOR ordered the removal of gambling-related billboards and ads on public transportation. It also mandated that the Ads Standards Council pre-screen gambling promotions before they appear on social media and other digital platforms.

Where to check a site

Tengco added that customers of licensed operators have access to a formal dispute-resolution process when problems arise. In June 2025, PAGCOR launched a Guarantee website that maintains an updated list of licensed internet gaming platforms and allows users to access authorized sites directly. However, Tengco noted that blocking illegal, offshore sites that quickly relaunch using new domain names after a website is taken down remains difficult.

The rules behind a legal casino in the Philippines

Dates are when the rule was signed or issued.