Philippines Gambling Sites and Laws
The Philippines is a tropical Southeast Asian nation that is comprised of 7,641 islands that sit in the western Pacific Ocean.
While the country measures just 300,000 square kilometers, a population of over 100 million people makes this nation the 12th most populated country in the world, and the 43rd most densely populated.
It is also estimated that over 10 million Filipinos live overseas. The country is considered to be a newly industrialized emerging market, having shifted focus from agriculture to services and manufacturing.
Still, the agriculture industry employs about 30% of the labor force. Many people like to engage in betting activities at Philippines bookmakers, even though there is a lot of poverty in the Philippines.
Cockfighting is wildly popular and even the poorest people seem to manage to come up with a few pesos to bet with. Under Filipino betting laws, gambling oversight falls into the hands of two separate bodies.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) licenses and regulates all land-based operations such as casinos, betting parlors, poker rooms, and bingo halls.
The other entity is the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport (CEZA). It has the authority to issue licenses to online betting sites, but those companies that obtain internet gambling licenses are not allowed to accept bets from Filipinos.
These businesses mainly target the lucrative Asian internet betting market. CEZA has a reputation for being one of the most respected gaming zones on Earth.
Top 10 Gambling Sites for Philippines in 21 November 2024 – Updated List
What are the Best Gambling Sites and Promotions for the Philippines?
Filipino online casino fans face a great number of options when it comes to finding reputable internet betting sites that offer lots of ongoing betting bonuses and incentives. While they may not be able to bet with the sites that operate under licenses issued by CEZA, they are still free to seek out the top-rated international brands.
Filipino online casino players are cashing in on up to $100 casino bonuses that are available at RedBet, Intertops and Mobilbet. Similar to these ones are those that BetAdonis and All British Casino are offering. Those looking for something a little bigger will find generous €250 welcome bonuses at TonyBet or All Jackpots Casino. Play Grand Casino is known for its jaw-dropping $10,000 casino bonus package.
Filipino online poker sharks can also get in on the action. Party and Bwin are all offering up to €500 in poker bonuses, while the good folks at TrioBet has up to €1,000 in poker bonuses waiting to be claimed.
There are so many more valuable bonuses for online gamers of all stripes, both at online and mobile betting sites worldwide. Simply go to the promotions section at Gamblingjudge.com to get your hands on some big bonuses from the most trusted brands in online gaming.
How Regulated is the Philippine Gambling Market?
The Philippine betting market is very tightly regulated. Companies that acquire internet licenses through CEZA are subject to a strict and thorough application process and all aspects of their operations are closely monitored. PAGCOR operations are also tightly regulated. While it is well-known that there is a lot of illegal betting occurring, the current government has vowed to clamp down on illegal operators.
Is Gambling Legal in the Philippines? What is the Legal Gambling Age?
Most forms of betting, including betting on sports are legal, licensed, and regulated in the Philippines. There are many lottery games, casinos, bingo hall, and other gaming establishments located throughout the country. Internet gambling companies may acquire online gambling licenses, but they may not take bets from Filipino players. Filipinos may gamble at bookmakers by country without interference. The legal betting age in the Philippines is 21.
Do the Philippines Tax Gambling Winnings?
At the moment, Filipino gamblers who win over 10,000 pesos are subject to a 5% withholding tax. There have been discussions of updating the Philippine betting laws, which could result in even higher taxes on both gamblers and operators.
What Currency and Payment Methods do Filipino Players Generally Use?
The official currency of the Philippines is the peso, which is also the bookmaker’s currency, and it is accepted throughout the country. Filipino players who want to make a deposit or withdrawal from betting sites by payment methods have many easy options. Major credit cards, eWallets like EcoCard and EZIpay, debit cards, and prepaid cards like EntroPay are widely accepted payment methods for Filipino players. Check with your preferred gaming site to find the best option for you.