Responsible Gaming
Gambling as Entertainment
Gambling should always be a form of entertainment, never a way to earn money or solve financial problems. The odds are designed to favor the house, and losing is a normal part of the experience. Set a budget you can afford to lose, treat it as the cost of fun, and never chase losses. If gambling stops being enjoyable or starts affecting your daily life, it is time to seek help.
Age Verification
You must be of legal gambling age to play. In the Philippines, the legal age for casino gambling is 21 years old. For other forms of gaming, the minimum age may be 18, depending on local regulations and the operator’s terms. Always check the specific rules of the platform you are using. Underage gambling is illegal and strictly prohibited. We encourage parents and guardians to use parental control software and monitor online activity to prevent minors from accessing gambling sites.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Ask yourself honestly if you recognize any of the following signs:
- Chasing losses – returning to win back money you have lost.
- Gambling with money you cannot afford to lose (e.g., rent, bills, savings).
- Hiding your gambling activity from family or friends.
- Lying about how much time or money you spend gambling.
- Neglecting work, studies, family, or social obligations because of gambling.
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble.
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop.
- Gambling to escape stress, anxiety, or depression.
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to feel excitement.
- Continuing to gamble despite negative consequences.
If you tick several of these boxes, please consider seeking support. You are not alone, and help is available.
Self-Help Tools
Most reputable online casinos offer built-in tools to help you stay in control. We strongly recommend using them:
- Deposit Limits – Set a maximum amount you can deposit per day, week, or month.
- Loss Limits – Cap the total amount you can lose within a defined period.
- Reality Checks – Receive pop-up reminders showing how long you have been playing and how much you have spent.
- Time-Out / Cool-Off Periods – Temporarily block access to your account for a chosen period (e.g., 24 hours, 7 days, 30 days).
- Self-Exclusion – Permanently or long-term exclude yourself from the platform. In the Philippines, you can also request self-exclusion through PAGCOR for land-based casinos.
- Session Time Limits – Automatically log out after a set amount of playtime.
Check the “Responsible Gaming” or “Safer Gambling” section of your casino account to activate these tools.
Support Organizations
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, these organizations provide free, confidential help. Choose the one most relevant to your location or situation.
- Philippines (PAGCOR Responsible Gaming): PAGCOR Responsible Gaming Program – Official help and self-exclusion for Philippine casinos. Hotline: (02) 8521-1542.
- United Kingdom: GamCare – Free helpline, live chat, and counseling. GamStop – Free self-exclusion scheme for UK-licensed sites.
- Australia: Gambling Help Online – 24/7 free support and counseling.
- Canada: Responsible Gambling Council – Resources, prevention programs, and support referrals.
- United States: National Council on Problem Gambling – Helpline 1-800-GAMBLER.
- Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – Information and help for gambling addiction.
- International: Gambling Therapy – Free online support groups and advice for anyone, anywhere.
Seek Help Today
If gambling is causing you distress, financial harm, or relationship problems, please reach out for help now. You are not weak – recognizing the problem is a sign of strength. Contact any of the organizations above, talk to a trusted friend or family member, or use the self-exclusion tools available on your casino account. Help is free, confidential, and available 24/7.