The Philippines, like many countries in Asia, has a set legal system that controls gambling. It has laws that aim to regulate casinos and protect players. Part of them is the creation of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) as the chief regulator. While these laws have been set for a long time, Congress has made several amendments in response to new market demands.
These new legislations now put online gambling in front. With new casinos becoming available, choosing a site to sign on is tricky. Yet, many Filipinos can easily read a peso casino review and get all the relevant facts on one page. It solves many issues, especially confirming which platforms are genuine. This article discusses all the Philippines’ laws regulating gambling.
Is Gambling Legal in the Philippines?
Yes. Gambling is live and legal in the Philippines. The condition has been so since when it was first licensed in 1975. The then president, Ferdinand Marcos, signed Decree No. 1067-a, making gambling live.
Part of the new legislation was the establishment of PAGCOR to issue licenses and regulate the industry’s operators. In addition, PAGCOR owns several casinos. The last count shows the regulator has at least 46 venues for players to wager.
Is Online Gambling Legal in the Philippines?
While gambling is legal in the nation, there are no set laws for the online version. Hence, you won’t find anywhere that playing a variety of games, especially card varieties, on your favorite iGaming site is illegal. However, the only clause available is that Filipino-based sportsbooks and casinos are prohibited from accepting bets from residents.
This primary condition gives rise to the introduction of specific gaming sites offering top banking methods. As an internationally accepted payment processor, Neteller now offers Filipino players unique casinos with bonuses and promotions. You’ll also find it as part of the conditions for deposits and withdrawals. A comment from HIraya Alonto shows why it is fast becoming common in the Philippines.
“Several online casino gaming enthusiasts have different requirements from the payment procedures available at each and every Neteller Casino Online. But, Neteller gives you the perfect mix of all your needs getting fulfilled, starting from being a simple payment process to being one of the fastest and the most secure ones out there.”
Gambling Laws in the Philippines
Here’s a review of all laws regulating gambling in the Philippines. Each of them has been set to regulate the activities of operators to match international standards. As stated, they have specific sections that primarily protect players.
Decree 1067-a
Presidential Decree 1067 is the law which made gambling legal and established PAGCOR. It went live in 1977, allowing the agency to generate revenue through gambling taxes. The regulator also got an extension through Republic Act 9487 in 2007 to operate for 25 years. Here’s a list of legal entities under PAGCOR:
- Sweepstakes
- Horse race betting
- Cock fighting (Sabong)
- Small-Town Lotteries
- National Lottery.
Decree No. 1602
The Presidential Decree No. 1602 (PD 1602) is the law that simplifies and provides penalties for illegal gambling activities. It also states fines for operators who violate the laws. Then, President Ferdinand Marcos signed it into law in 1978.
Specific sections of this decree are Presidential Decree No. 519, Presidential Decree No. 499 (Cockfighting), Presidential Decree No. 483 (Game fixing), articles 195-199 Republic Act 3063 (horse racing operators), Presidential Decree No. 519 (Slot machines), Presidential Decree No. 1036 (Jai Alai operators), and other common sections. The idea is to settle some areas which may seem confusing and out of order for today’s demands.
Republic Act (RA) 9287
RA 9287 is an amendment to PD 1602. This new rule increased the penalties stated in the original legislation and established the Anti-Illegal Gambling Board (AGB). It also defines what illegal gambling is and what games the agency will be fighting. RA 9287 states the powers of the AGB. According to the amendment, poker, casino, and sports betting are all legal.
Decree No. 1869
PD 1869 is the law that combines Decrees 1067-a, 1067-b, 1067-c, 1399, and 1632 together. Its primary aim is to provide a framework to regulate all games of chance through an agency. Hence, it provides clarifications for PAGCOR.
Republic Act 7922
The Republic Act 7922 is also known as the Cagayan Special Economic Zone Act, 1995. It supervises the creation of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA). Part of its mandate is to build more land-based gambling venues in a specific site for operators to settle in. However, it is only open to tourists, as Filipino players are banned by law from patronizing these brick-and-mortar sites.
Executive Order No. 13
Executive Order No. 13 became live in 2017 when then-President Rodrigo Duterte signed it on February 2nd. It boosts the fight against illegal gambling and clearly states the licensing bodies’ jurisdictions. The order also requires law enforcement agencies to work with the gambling authorities to investigate and clamp down on illegal gaming venues. The idea is to increase legal outfits and boost the government’s revenue.
Republic Act No. 10927
The Republic Act No. 10927 is an amendment to Republic Act 9160 signed by then-President Rodrigo Duterte. Part of the law is to monitor all financial transactions. Figures of P5 million and higher will be reported to the Anti-Money Laundering Council for proper investigation. The aim is to clamp down on illegal gambling and boost the government’s revenue.
The RA 10927 now gives rise to different conditions, including promoting top GCash online casinos. This simple payment method provides bonuses and top-end games as standalone sites for players who prefer to fund their accounts with GCash only. Now, many operators that offer services to players both locally and internationally are available.
House Bill 8910
House Bill 8910 went live in 2019. The Philippines’ Congress approved it to improve the functions of the multiple government agencies. In addition, it addresses the condition of illegal online cock fighting (e-sabong).
Conclusion
The Philippine gambling laws try to describe and regulate the activities of operators within the nation. Part of the legislation is to stipulate the functions of government agencies, clamp down on illegal gambling, and increase revenue. There’s also space to attract more tourist gamblers, although there are no laws for online betting and gaming.
