The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) has announced a major change in how online gambling is regulated in the Philippines. They are aiming to reduce the social and digital risks linked to online betting and gaming. This new regulatory push arrives after intense scrutiny by the Philippines Senate gambling inquiry, where lawmakers raised concerns about addiction, financial harm, and unregulated marketing.
Under the updated PAGCOR online gambling rules 2026, operators must follow much stricter Philippines KYC regulations for gambling, and certain forms of gambling promotion are now limited or banned entirely. The regulator says these steps will help protect citizens, strengthen public safety, and reduce the harm that can occur when people have easy access to betting platforms.
One of the biggest changes concerns customer verification. PAGCOR now enforces a “No Deposit Without Verification” rule. This means people cannot put money into an account on an online gambling site until they have completed their identity checks.
To verify identity, users must submit a valid government ID and take a real-time selfie with that ID. Regulators say this two-step process helps prevent identity theft and stops minors or unverified individuals from creating accounts on online betting platforms. These measures also support online casino verification in the Philippines efforts that aim to make sure only legitimate accounts can transact online.
Officials said these stronger Philippines KYC regulations and gambling checks are a key part of the updated security framework. Industry watchers say it will make it harder for illegal or poorly run sites to operate, as they will not meet PAGCOR’s minimum verification standards.
PAGCOR has also introduced a series of advertising restrictions aimed at reducing the visibility of gambling promotions across the country. The latest directives include a ban on gambling ads during primetime television and radio hours. This is a smart move designed to keep gambling marketing out of peak family viewing times.
Officials are even considering a full 24-hour ban on gambling advertisements, though this is still under study. Outdoor ads were also targeted. This means that companies have been ordered to take down billboards and other public displays promoting gambling.
In addition, PAGCOR and the Ad Standards Council (ASC) have signed agreements to regulate how gambling advertising is created and distributed. Ads must now be reviewed before they are released, and any promotional material must include approved responsible gaming messages. This coordinated effort strengthens the PAGCOR advertising ban on unregulated or harmful content in public spaces.
Alongside tighter identity checks and advertising rules, PAGCOR is stepping up its drive for responsible gaming in the Philippines. The regulator has launched a 24/7 confidential helpline for people and families affected by gambling problems. This service offers emotional support and refers callers to professional help if needed.
The official warning tagline “Gambling is addictive, know when to stop” has also been localized and must now be displayed in regulated ads. This message aims to remind users of the risks and encourage them to gamble responsibly.
PAGCOR has also started talks with major government banks to build a “guarantee application”. This system would let customers transact only with verified and licensed platforms, helping prevent fraud and reduce the use of unregulated sites.
To strengthen digital safety, PAGCOR is working with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to block illegal gambling ads online. With unregulated platforms continuing to promote services on social media and digital channels, this partnership aims to cut off unlicensed advertising at the source.
Senator Erwin Tulfo, chair of the Senate committee hearing on online gambling, said regulation is increasingly about “consumer protection and digital safety” as much as about industry control. Earlier action on illegal operations by PAGCOR and partners even includes plans to use advanced technology, such as an AI system, to curb illegal online gambling operations, to detect and block unlicensed platforms in real-time.
PAGCOR’s tightening of rules comes as part of a broader response to concerns raised by lawmakers and community advocates about the effects of online gambling. While the industry remains a source of revenue and entertainment for many, authorities stress that protecting people, especially young and vulnerable citizens, must be a priority.
With these updated online casino verification Philippines standards, advertising limits, and safety tools in place, PAGCOR hopes to balance industry growth with public welfare in the rapidly evolving online gambling landscape.
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