Philippine Gambling Laws: PAGCOR’s Charter, the POGO Ban and Online Gaming Rules
A plain-language map of the laws and orders behind online casinos in the Philippines: where PAGCOR’s authority comes from, what the offshore gaming ban changed, how anti-money-laundering rules reach casinos, and the 2025–2026 regulatory updates that affect players.
This is general information, not legal advice. Laws are summarised in our own words and linked to the full text. For a decision that matters, read the source or ask a lawyer.
The main laws and orders
| Law | What it does | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Presidential Decree No. 1869 (1983) PAGCOR Charter | Consolidated earlier decrees and created PAGCOR as the government corporation that both runs and regulates games of chance. Signed 11 July 1983. | PAGCOR corporate profile |
| Republic Act No. 9487 (2007) Charter extension | Amended PD 1869 and extended PAGCOR’s franchise for another 25 years, renewable for a further 25. | Lawphil |
| Presidential Decree No. 1602 (1978) Illegal gambling penalties | Sets penalties for unauthorised gambling. It was later amended to raise fines and cover more forms of illegal gambling. | Lawphil |
| Republic Act No. 10927 (2017) Anti-money laundering | Brought casinos, including internet and ship-based casinos, under the Anti-Money Laundering Act as covered persons. A single casino cash transaction above ₱5,000,000 must be reported. | Lawphil |
| Executive Order No. 13 (2017) Clarifying jurisdiction | Strengthened the fight against illegal gambling and clarified which agencies may license online gaming. Issued 2 February 2017. | Lawphil |
| Republic Act No. 10175 (2012) Cybercrime Prevention Act | The law that created the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), the agency behind the blocked-site notice. | Lawphil |
| Executive Order No. 74 (2024) Offshore gaming ban | Banned offshore gaming and internet gaming licensee operations serving players abroad. Issued 5 November 2024. | Lawphil |
| Republic Act No. 12312 (2025) Anti-POGO Act of 2025 | Wrote the offshore gaming ban into statute and repealed RA 11590, the 2021 law that taxed offshore operators. Signed 23 October 2025. | Lawphil |
| Republic Act No. 9287 (2004) Illegal numbers games | Raised penalties for jueteng and other illegal numbers games. | Lawphil |
What this means for players
- PAGCOR licenses domestic online gaming. Websites serving players in the Philippines do so through PAGCOR-accredited Gaming System Administrators (GSAs) or as online brands of licensed casinos. Both groups are published as lists, which our directory copies.
- Being on a list is the check that counts. A domain on PAGCOR’s published list is part of a licensed operation as of the list date. It is not a promise about every future transaction, so keep checking the date.
- Offshore gaming is banned. Since EO 74 and RA 12312, licences for operators serving players abroad are gone.
- Unlisted sites may be blocked. The CICC and the National Telecommunications Commission can order access blocks. See our CICC notice page.
- You must be 21 or older, and some groups, including government officials and students, are barred from playing. Details are on our responsible gaming page.
- Online sabong remains suspended by presidential directive since 2022.
Recent PAGCOR updates
Rebate and cashback caps (7 May 2026)
PAGCOR’s electronic gaming department limited cash rebates to 1.50% of turnover or deposits for slot, e-bingo, numeric and sports games, and cashback to 15% of net losses on electronic games. Operators need prior approval for each programme. See our bonus rules guide.
Revised fees and GGR shares (27 February 2025)
An EGLD memorandum updated the share of gross gaming revenue (GGR) that operators remit to PAGCOR, with some rates stepping down during 2025 and 2026:
| Game type | PAGCOR share of GGR |
|---|---|
| Traditional bingo | 30% → 25% (July 2025) → 20% (January 2026) |
| Electronic bingo (including Rapid Bingo) | 30% → 25% (July 2025) |
| Electronic casino games | 30% |
| Live sports betting | 17.5% → 15% (July 2025) |
| Virtual sports | 30% |
| Specialty and numeric games | 15% live · 30% RNG-based |
| Online poker | 15% (on rake and fees) |
These are operator remittances, not taxes on players. The same memo set the annual fee for a gaming accreditation at ₱1,000,000 and said online poker requires at least one physical venue or terminal.
E-wallet gaming links removed (August 2025)
The BSP’s Memorandum No. M-2025-029 told supervised banks and e-wallets to take gaming links out of their apps. See our payments guide.
Tax on winnings
Under the TRAIN law, prizes above ₱10,000 are generally subject to a 20% final tax. How that applies to casino winnings depends on the game and how the operator pays, and PAGCOR-licensed operations have their own franchise tax rules. Treat this as background and ask a tax adviser about your own case.
Frequently asked questions
Is online gambling legal in the Philippines?
Domestic online gaming is licensed by PAGCOR through accredited Gaming System Administrators and licensed casinos. Offshore gaming for foreign players is banned under EO 74 and RA 12312. Check a site against PAGCOR’s lists before you play.
What is the Anti-POGO Act?
Republic Act No. 12312, signed on 23 October 2025, bans offshore gaming operations and repeals RA 11590.
Do I pay tax on casino winnings?
Prizes above ₱10,000 are generally subject to a 20% final tax under the TRAIN law, but treatment varies by game and payer. Ask a tax adviser.