Is online gambling legal in Philippines?

Online gambling in the Philippines is legal only when it is done through operators that are licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). PAGCOR issues licenses for a variety of online gaming activities, including e-casinos, e-bingo, and sports betting, but these are intended for Filipino players and are operated by locally-based companies.

The legal framework makes a clear distinction between locally licensed online gambling and offshore gambling. As of the 2024 ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), it is illegal for any company to operate from the Philippines and offer online gambling services to international players. For Filipino residents, it is also illegal to gamble on unlicensed offshore websites.

The government has taken steps to block access to these sites, and while some may still be accessible via VPNs, doing so is against the law. The regulatory environment is designed to ensure that all gambling activities are conducted responsibly and contribute to the national economy through taxes and licensing fees.