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Online gambling

ABS-CBN News Digital Intern

MANILA — Those afflicted by the so-called silent epidemic of gambling have scrambled for ways to shake the addiction.But if they really want to kick the habit, there are ways to ban themselves from gambling platforms through the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation’s (PAGCOR) exclusion program.The program, which is part of the PAGCOR’s Responsible Gaming initiative, can be administered in two ways: a gambler can apply for self-exclusion, or a family member can sign up in their stead.The gambling regulator offers a total ban from all of its operated and licensed casinos, whether online or physical, for six months, one year, or three years.It is important to note that the restriction cannot be lifted under any circumstances for the first six months of the program, regardless of their chosen duration.However, once the six-month period has lapsed, the individual has the option to lift the ban as they please.<div>PROCESS</div>For self-exclusion, the individual must accomplish the application form found on the PAGCOR website, and prepare a photo of their government-issued ID and two colored 2x2 ID pictures taken within the last six months.Applicants can either send the required documents to the email responsiblegaming@pagcor.ph or deliver them to the company’s drop box at the MET LIVE Building in Pasay.A confirmation selfie or video call will be required for those submitting applications online. Meanwhile, the family exclusion program is open for the spouses, children, or parents of someone who could be developing a gambling problem.A duration of six months, one year, or three years is also offered. However, unlike the self-exclusion program, the family ban will remain irrevocable for the entire applied exclusion period.The family member seeking help for their loved one must submit the completed family exclusion application form, two 2x2 ID pictures, a copy of their government-issued ID and the one who will be undergoing the program, and either the birth certificate of the one to be banned (if parent or child) or their marriage contract.A selfie or video call for online submissions is also needed.According to a study conducted by polling firm WR Numero Research in April, a majority of Filipinos (92 percent) know about online gambling, and almost a third of them (29 percent) have either engaged in or found interest in the activity.PAGCOR more than doubled its income for the first half of 2025 at P10.8 billion, compared to its earnings in 2024 during the same period.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2025/8/16/removing-online-gambling-from-e-wallets-seen-as-good-first-step-2019" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Removing online gambling from e-wallets seen as good first step</a></div>

Can't stop gambling? Here's how to apply for PAGCOR's self-banning program

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Can't stop gambling? Here's how to apply for PAGCOR's self-banning program

ABS-CBN News Digital Intern,

Mei Lin Weng

Published Sep 12, 2025 09:00 AM PHT

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Updated Sep 12, 2025 09:30 AM PHT

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online gambling

PAGCOR

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