In this review we would like to talk about the online gambling industry in the Philippines. We will consider the main points concerning the legality of both online casinos and sports betting. We will understand the methodology of choosing a good casino, as well as bonuses that are offered to players from the Philippines. Of course, we will learn about the most popular and convenient payment systems, and a separate talk about cryptocurrencies in the Philippines and their legal status. Finally, let’s not forget about local lotteries, as well as land-based casinos in the Philippines.
Best Online Casinos For Philippinian People
The Philippines has a pretty decked out online gambling setup, but most of it caters to international players.
That said, Filipino players have access to both offshore online casinos with global licenses and local sites. The big players in the licensing game include MGA, AGCC, and Curacao. And because we’ve got your back, we’ve whipped up a list of the best casinos with international licenses for Filipino players:
Gambling isn’t new to the Philippines; it’s been a thing since the 16th century. Back in 1521, the Portuguese sailor Magellan wrote about Filipinos placing bets left, right, and center. The Spanish came along later, bringing their own gambling games, pretty much kickstarting the country’s first gambling industry. With the Spaniards, card halls and pool rooms popped up where people played for cold hard cash.
Come the 19th century, lottos, horse racing, and the first casinos came into play. The Spanish weren’t too keen on how much the locals loved their gambling, so they tried to shut it down. But gambling was basically in the Filipino DNA by then, so all they did was drive it underground. The Americans couldn’t tame the Filipino love for bets either, so by 1912, sports betting and other games started to see the light of day again.
The 1930s saw the start of official lottos and races, with profits going to good causes. This is also when the ‘National Charity Sweepstakes’ was born, which later became the ‘Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office’ (PCSO) that’s still around today.
The real deal in terms of legalizing and regulating gambling kicked off in 1976. This was when ‘The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation’ (PAGCOR) stepped onto the scene, handling the creation and licensing of casinos and betting shops. By 1977, the first floating casino set sail, followed by the first land-based one in the Philippine Village Hotel a couple of years later.
Legality and regulation of gambling
Gambling in the Philippines is totally legit. I mean, whether you’re hitting up a brick-and-mortar joint or going digital, you’re golden. The bigwigs in charge? Two mammoth government outfits calling the shots and dishing out the licenses.
The “Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation” (PAGCOR) – has its hands in both the land-based and online casinos, not to mention handing out those coveted bookie licenses.
Then there’s the “Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office” (PCSO) – these cats run the state lotteries, with their dough going to healthcare and all sorts of do-gooder stuff.
Now, when it comes to the online world, they’ve got a couple of licenses:
Full License – This bad boy lets you set up and run online casinos and sports betting.
Sports Betting License – This one’s tailor-made for bookies who’re all about the sports action.
Choosing the best online casinos in Philippines
Now, as you’ve probably figured, online gambling’s kinda big in the Philippines. With a slew of players in the game, it’s a whole hustle to sift out the top-tier online casinos. But don’t sweat it, we’ve done the heavy lifting – peep our list at the beginning of the article. Now, let’s spill on what we zeroed in on when picking ’em:
Legality and Safety
Given that online gambling’s all above board in the Philippines, there’s a sea of local joints. The real-deal Filipino online casinos are stamped with the PAGCOR seal of approval. And the offshore spots? They’re rocking global licenses from big names like MGA, UKGC, AGCC, ONJN, Curacao, and a bunch more.
User Feedback
One major key? What the players are saying. We’re talking scouring spots like Casinolistings or LCB for the 411. The best joints? They’ve got way more props than beef. And when stuff hits the fan, it’s all about how the casino handles the heat.
Bonuses & Promotions
With a ton of casinos vying for the Filipino players, the freebies and perks are off the hook. When we do our dig, we’re all about those casinos with sweet bonus deals and some slick VIP perks. Stick around, and we’ll get into all the bonus action available for the Philippine crowd.
Payment Systems
Most Filipino players are swiping their bank cards to get in on the action. But there’s also a vibe with e-wallets like Skrill, Neteller, and local gems like Coins PH and GCash. Given that crypto’s kinda the rage in the Philippines, it’s no shocker that most legit online casinos are all in on the crypto train.
Customer Service
One major thing we’re always peeping at? How solid their customer support game is. For any casino to make it onto our hotlist, their helpdesk needs to be ticking these boxes:
24/7 hustle, every day of the week.
Quick and on-point with their info.
Gotta be smooth talkers in both English and Filipino.
Mobile Adaptation
With everyone and their grandma in the Philippines rocking smartphones, most peeps prefer getting their game on through their phones. So, any decent joint better be slick on mobile – both in looks and when you’re cashing in or out.
Bonuses and promotions for Philippinian players
For the Filipino crowd, there’s a whole buffet of bonuses to chow down on. From welcome deals for the newbies to the regular “thank you for sticking around” treats. Then there’s the tiered systems, with every level packing its own goodies. Let’s break it down:
Welcome Bonus
For the new kids on the block, you get a lil’ something-something when you make your first deposit – either a top-up, some free spins, or even both rolled into one sweet deal.
Regular Player Bonuses
For those coming back for more, there’s always a bunch of perks waiting. Most spots have those “happy days” where you get extra on your deposit or some boosted cashback. Some joints, like Avalon78, even have a “spin-the-wheel” kinda thing you can take for a whirl once a week for extra bonuses. And then there are the leaderboards open for everyone, plus some swanky VIP lounges.
Races and Tournaments
These are just another flavor of bonus fun dished out by casinos and the game providers. It’s all about special events anyone can jump in on. Once you’re in, check the rules and hit up the listed slots, racking up points for every move. The higher you climb by the race’s end, the fatter your prize.
Sports betting in Philippines
You betcha, the Philippines is pretty much the Vegas of Asia. And sports betting? It’s huge here. They’ve got this official gig, PAGCOR, that not only runs the show for offline casinos but also gives the thumbs up (a.k.a licenses) to online casinos and bookies. So, yeah, placing wagers on sports in the Philippines? Totally legit and big-time popular. Let’s dish on the top sports peeps are dropping their cash on.
Basketball: It’s basically a religion here. Seems like everyone’s ballin’, and you’ll spot hoops in just about every backyard. They’ve got their own pro-league, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), with 12 top-tier teams. And their national team? They ball hard, both in Asia and on the global stage.
Boxing: Big in the game. The world knows ’em for the powerhouse, Manny Pacquiao. Thanks to him, boxing’s huge all over the archipelago. The local boxing scene? It’s gritty, tough, and keeps churning out killer fighters.
Volleyball: Pretty standard for Asian countries. Volleyball’s got a good grip on the Philippines. They’ve got both men’s and women’s teams that keep killing it in Asian and world championships, bringing home the bling.
Billiards: The tactical game that’s a big hit, especially with the dudes. Got a major boost in cool points from the Filipino world champ, Efren Reyes, aka “The Magician”.
Cockfighting: Alright, it might be a stretch to call this a sport, but hey, it’s part of the betting scene. Locals know it as “sabong” and it’s deep-rooted in the culture.
Convenient payment systems
Filipino gamblers have a ton of ways to throw down their cash. Whether you’re loading up at an online casino or bookie, you’ve got your usual suspects like bank cards and then a bunch of e-wallets. And it’s not just the international ones, they’ve got local payment setups too. But we’ll dive deeper into the best ways to pay and play another time.
VISA/MasterCard
Straight up, the most common way folks go about this is using their Visa/Mastercard. It’s a no-brainer ’cause just about every grown-up has got one in their wallet. Another big perk? Fast transactions, teeny-tiny fees, and most online casinos don’t need a fat deposit to kick things off.
Bank transfer
Kinda old school, but some folks still roll with it. The big sell here? It’s straightforward and you don’t gotta mess around with your bank deets. On the flip side, it can drag on for up to 5 days and sometimes those fees? Ouch.
E-Wallets
For some gamblers, laying low is the name of the game, or maybe they just don’t dig sharing their bank details everywhere. That’s when e-wallets come clutch. Filipinos have their pick from big names like Skrill and Neteller, and some local heavy-hitters too – think GCash, Coins PH. Load up your e-wallet any way you like, even with a bank card. Then, shoot the funds over to the casino’s account – easy peasy, usually no fees attached.
Prepaid Cards
Another nifty deposit trick, and you know right off the bat how much you’re throwing down. Think of it as a mashup of bank transfers and e-wallets. Snag a card from sites like EcoPayz, EntroPay, or MST Gift Cards and then dive into the game.
Cryptocurrencies
This is catching on like wildfire. For starters, crypto deposits are quick – under 10 minutes – and usually don’t skim off the top with fees. Plus, it’s all on the down-low; no personal deets shared, and when you cash out, all they need is your crypto wallet address. So if you’re already into crypto, it’s a killer way to roll at online casinos.
NOTIFY Owning and using crypto? Totally legit in the Philippines. According to Circular 944, crypto exchanges play ball under the Philippines Central Bank (BSP) rules. But here’s the kicker: the government doesn’t recognize Bitcoin or any other crypto as official moolah. Still, that doesn’t stop Filipinos from holding onto it for an investment or splashing some on online casinos.
Popular gambling providers in Philippines
Some providers are big hits in the Philippines. Local gamers totally vibe with a festive feel, so those who can deliver that party mood? They’re golden. But it’s not just about the good vibes – cool mechanics and chunky payout potentials are a big deal. Let’s deep dive into the top 5 providers turning heads.
Microgaming
One of the OGs in online slot development, these guys have got their eyes on the jackpot and really bring their A-game when crafting their products. The folks in the Philippines dig them mainly for their sky-high, or should I say “record-breaking,” jackpots and a massive array of slots packed with cool game mechanics. Spinning the reels on Microgaming products is always a blast.
NetEnt
Another old-timer in the gaming scene. They’re known for their killer variety in slots and their cultural nods from around the world in their games. Another feather in their cap? Their branded products, cooked up in collabs with big names or celebs. And you can’t overlook fan favorites like Gonzo’s Quest and the epic game shows they’ve spun from it.
RealTime Gaming
A pretty big name out of Costa Rica, and the brains behind one of the first-ever 3D slots, Lucky Tiger. Sure, it looks a bit retro now, but it was ahead of its time back in the day. That’s what the peeps in the Philippines love about these guys; they’re fearless innovators, always shaking things up in the gaming world.
BetSoft
A developer whose creativity is off the charts. The Philippine crowd can’t get enough of their progressive mechanics and wicked bonus games. With their slots, there’s always something popping off, thanks to the funky features that get triggered every few spins.
Quickspin
You can spot them from a mile away with that signature orange interface. Their top-notch graphics and killer soundtracks are legit, and the exciting themes and gameplay mechanics just seal the deal.
Land-based casinos in Philippines
The Philippines is Asia’s casino hotspot, with dozens of land-based casinos scattered across the country. Manila alone boasts around 20! They’re pretty much giving Vegas casinos a run for their money. The biggest dog in the yard? Resorts World Manila, smack dab in the heart of the capital.
This casino’s got the works: from slot machines to every card and table game under the sun. Their progressive jackpot slots, like JIN JI BAO XI GOLD LINK, are a big hit, with jackpots clocking in at a whopping 58,583,089 PHP. There are more than 20 of these bad boys to choose from. Table game aficionados are in for a treat, with three card games featuring massive jackpots:
PAI GOW POKER – A cool payout of 1,818,717.00 PHP
BAD BEAT POKER – Jackpot sitting at 1,755,546.13 PHP
CSP JACKPOT – You can bag upwards of 1,335,095.47 PHP
The casino’s always buzzing with tournaments for both pros and casual players. Poker’s usually the name of the game. For the regulars, there’s a swanky VIP program, offering sweet deals and special treatment. And if you need a breather, there’s a huge hotel on-site, a plethora of bars and restaurants, and even their very own cinema.
Another big-shot casino in Manila is the Solaire Resort and Casino. Inside this hotspot, you’ll find a few swanky clubs:
Solaire Club: This is high-roller territory for real table and card game junkies – think roulette, blackjack, poker, and baccarat. Plus, they’ve got a boatload of slot machines ready for you to take for a spin.
Players Stadium: Up-to-the-minute electronic table games. Give the derby a whirl or try your luck on their special wheel of fortune.
Sportsbook: For the sports buffs who love to put their money where their mouth is. Watch major sports events on the big screens and throw down bets in real-time.
A great feature is a large number of bonuses, among them it is worth highlighting:
Bonus Jackpot Drop: Every Wednesday, you get a shot at bagging a special 1 million PHP jackpot.
Sunday Drive Draws: Every Saturday, every player’s in the game for a chance to drive home in a new whip.
Gadget Galore Draws: Once a week, you can score gadgets worth 1 million PHP. Draws go down on Thursdays.
Beyond the casino floor, there’s a whole shopping and dining scene, plus regular gigs and concerts to groove to.
Lotteries and other gambling entertainment in Philippines
Just like most games of chance, lotteries in the Philippines are legit and overseen by the bigwigs. The first lottery hit the scene in 1851 and was a private affair set up by the Spanish company Empresa de Loteria. Come 1935, the first all-Filipino lottery was born, along with the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) which dishes out the dough for good causes, including healthcare.
The big kahuna of lotteries these days is the PCSO Lottery Draw, which has been rolling since 1995. This organization runs more than 6 different types of lotteries:
Lotto 6/42: Here, you pick 6 numbers from 1 to 42. Hit at least 3 of your numbers in the draw and you’re in the money. Draws are on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Mega Lotto 6/45: Same deal as the previous lottery, but now you’ve got 45 numbers to play with. The odds of nailing all 6 numbers and bagging the jackpot are 1 in 8,145,060. Draws for the Mega Lotto 6/45 are on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Super Lotto 6/49: First hit the scene on July 16, 2000. Works like the other two but with a different set of numbers and a bigger pot. Draws are on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.
Grand Lotto 6/55: The big gun of the lotteries. The minimum jackpot here is a cool 30 million PHP. The top prize is a rolling jackpot that can soar to 108 million Philippine pesos. Drawings are every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Ultra Lotto 6/58: a spin that rolled out in 2015. Like all other lotteries, the game’s straight-up: pick 6 numbers from 1 to 58. The more numbers you match, the fatter your wallet gets. Match at least 3 numbers and you’re in for some dough. The jackpot’s on the up and up, starting at a cool 50 million PHP. The biggest payout ever? A whopping 1,180,622,50 Philippine pesos. Draws go down three times a week: Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
4D/6D Lotto: a whole different ball game. Here, 4 or 6 balls get pulled from the pot. Before it starts, you pick a sequence of 4/6 digits from 0 to 9. If at least 2 of your digits match the ones drawn in order, you score. But hit all 4/6 digits, and you’re looking at the jackpot.
In the Philippines, Bingo’s the real deal. Historically brought over by Christian missionaries, it’s often played for a good cause. Besides the old-school paper version, e-bingo’s made waves, first making its splash at the World Trade Center in Pasay, dubbed ‘Shower of Millions Bingo.’ TV Bingo? Big hit, going by the name of ‘Pinoy Bingo Night.’
Poker? Mad popular in the Philippines. You can get your game on in any casino or dedicated poker joints. Playing poker offline? All good for both locals and visitors. Online poker’s a bit trickier since local regulators have slapped a ban on it within the country. But no worries, offshore poker rooms outside the country like Pokerstars, GGPokerok, 888Poker, and Partypoker are always game for players from the Philippines.
Reliability and safety of online casinos in Philippines
The Philippines ain’t messing around when it comes to online gambling. Any online casino based here’s got the seal of approval from the local bigwig, PAGCOR, which vouches for both the software quality and making sure players get paid. It’s rare as hen’s teeth for a local casino to pull a fast one on a player. Pulling such stunts can easily cost ’em their license and their gig in the country.
But if you ever get short-changed and feel a casino’s played dirty, violating license terms, you can always hit up the local regulator in person or drop ’em an email.
Conclusion
At the end, I would like to note once again that the Philippine gambling industry is one of the most developed in the whole world. The country has legalized almost all types of gambling, and there are even local gambling commissions responsible for licensing online casinos. The same is true for sports betting and various lotteries.
It can be said that the Philippines is a gambling paradise for fans of this type of vacation. The country will also please the owners and active users of cryptocurrencies, as the state has a positive attitude to this digital asset. Well, of course, we can not forget about the abundance of land-based casinos in the Philippines. Their number is counted in dozens, and the quality of performance is amazing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are online casinos legal in the Philippines?
Yes, local online casinos operate on a fully legal basis provided they are licensed by the local PAGCOR authority.
Can I play poker in the Philippines?
Yes, for offline poker enthusiasts there are plenty of casinos and specialized poker rooms in the country. Online players are not left out either, as there are global online poker rooms available.
Are there any land-based casinos in the Philippines?
Yes, the country is full of excellent land-based casinos that offer all kinds of gambling. Manila alone has over 20 of them.
How is sports betting in the Philippines?
Sports betting is completely legal in the Philippines. The state company PAGCOR is responsible for regulating bookmakers.
What are the online casino deposit methods for Filipinos and what is the situation with the cryptocurrency market?
It is possible to deposit to online casinos in the Philippines using both bank cards and various e-wallets. The state treats cryptocurrencies positively and does not prohibit the purchase or storage of this asset.
