Did You Know You Can Ban Yourself or a Loved One From PAGCOR Gambling Sites?

(SPOT.ph) Online gambling has become much more visible in recent years, with platforms appearing across social media, advertising spaces, and, at one point, even e-wallet apps. If you feel like your gambling is getting harder to control—or you’re worried about a loved one—the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has a way to cut off access.

PAGCOR offers two programs through its Responsible Gaming program: self-exclusion and family exclusion for spouses, parents, and children. The ban covers all PAGCOR-accredited casinos, bingos, and online gaming and betting platforms.

Once approved, if the banned user attempts to access online gambling sites, a pop-up notice will appear informing them that they are in PAGCOR’s National Database of Restricted Persons and that their account has been frozen, so they cannot access the platform.

Here’s what you need to know if you want to self-exclude or ban a loved one from gambling.

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The requirements are quite straightforward. Simply fill out the Self Exclusion Application Form with your full name, government ID type and number, date of birth, gender, civil status, nationality and contact information. You may also indicate which kinds of gaming establishments you frequent.

Attach a photocopy of your government-issued photo ID and two 2x2 colored photos taken within the last six months and with no facial obstructions like a hat, glasses, or face mask.

Self-excluding applicants may request exclusion periods of six months, 1 year, and 5 years maximum for self-bans. The first six months of a self-ban are irrevocable. After the period has elapsed, applicants may reapply if necessary.

For family exclusions, the person being banned does not need to approve the request themselves. A spouse, parent, or adult child can apply on their behalf, as long as they submit PAGCOR’s required documents and proof of relationship.

Respondents—the person to be excluded—may be banned for six months, 1 year, and 3 years—all totally irrevocable. Like the self-exclusion arrangement, once the exclusion period ends, the order is automatically lifted and can be renewed.

Family members applying for the exclusion request must fill out the Family Exclusion Application Form and provide the aforementioned personal data, as well as identify their relationship to the respondent. Respondent information includes their full name, date of birth, gender, civil status, government ID number, nationality, and contact details.

In addition to the one 2x2 ID picture of the respondent, photocopies of the following supporting documents are needed as attachments:

For parent respondents: The respondent's government photo ID and birth certificate, and the applicant's government photo ID.

For spouses: The respondent's government photo ID, marriage contract or certificate, and the applicant's government photo ID.

For child respondents: The respondent’s government photo ID and birth certificate, and the applicant's government photo ID.

All applications can be sent through email at responsiblegaming@pagcor.ph or via dropbox at MET Live Building, Central Business Park 1-A, Macapagal Blvd corner EDSA Extension, Pasay City, together with the corresponding requirements. A selfie or video call will be required to confirm non-personal submissions.

PAGCOR will confirm approved applications via email.

According to PAGCOR data, there are around 10 million active users on online gambling platforms as of 2025, but tighter government restrictions appear to be taking a toll on the sector. PAGCOR reported lower revenues from eGames, eBingo and bingo grantees by 41.85% to P18.60 billion in the first half of 2026 compared to P32 billion in the same period in 2025.

If you or someone you love is starting to develop a gambling problem, we encourage you to reach out for help. Call the National Problem Gaming Helpline at (02) 8248-9568 or email responsiblegaming@pagcor.ph.

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