Is crypto betting legal in Philippines?

The legal status of crypto betting in the Philippines is complex and largely considered to be in a legal gray area, leaning towards being illegal. While cryptocurrency itself is legal to trade and hold, it is not recognized as legal tender by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). The primary gambling regulator, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), has not issued any specific licenses for cryptocurrency-based betting platforms.

In fact, in December 2025, PAGCOR announced a ban on the use of credit cards and cryptocurrencies for all forms of betting, citing risks of excessive debt and illicit activities. This indicates a clear intention to restrict the use of digital currencies in the gambling sector. Although there are no explicit laws that criminalize the act of an individual placing a bet with cryptocurrency on an offshore platform, the government's stance is increasingly cautious.

The combination of the ban on crypto for betting by PAGCOR and the lack of a regulatory framework for crypto casinos places crypto betting in a high-risk category for Filipino residents.