MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. has launched a 24-hour national helpline for people experiencing gambling-related problems, as online betting and electronic gaming continue to account for a growing share of the country’s gaming industry.
PAGCOR said the National Problem Gambling Helpline is available through (02) 8248-9568 and is intended to provide confidential support to individuals and families affected by gambling harm. The regulator said callers will be connected with trained counsellors who can provide guidance and referrals where needed.
The launch comes as online gambling in the Philippines has become more accessible through mobile phones, electronic games, e-bingo and other digital platforms.
According to the Philippine News Agency, the country’s gaming industry generated ₱396.14 billion in gross gaming revenues in 2025, up 6.39 percent from the previous year. The report said the electronic games sector generated ₱201.12 billion, making it the largest contributor to total gaming revenues.
The Philippines has one of SouthEast Asia’s largest regulated gambling markets, with PAGCOR overseeing land-based casinos, electronic gaming, licensed gaming venues and other authorized operators.
“The Philippines has one of Asia’s most developed regulated online gambling markets,” according to Gavin Lucas, Chief Editor of Gamblerspro.com, an online casino atlas. “Regulation can reduce some risks, but access to support is just as important. A dedicated helpline gives affected players and families somewhere to turn.”
The growth of digital betting has also increased public attention on player protection, particularly as more Filipinos encounter gambling products through mobile devices, e-wallets and online platforms.
PAGCOR has said responsible gaming remains part of its regulatory mandate. The agency’s responsible gaming program includes self-exclusion and family exclusion measures for people who want to block themselves or a family member from gambling venues and platforms.
Under PAGCOR’s self-exclusion program, applicants may request exclusion periods of six months, one year or five years. PAGCOR says the first six-month exclusion period is irrevocable. Family members may also apply for exclusion measures for a spouse, child or parent.
Gambling harm can include chasing losses, borrowing money to continue betting, hiding gambling activity from relatives, neglecting work or family responsibilities, and feeling unable to stop despite negative consequences.
The Philippines has seen rapid changes in its gaming industry in recent years. Land-based casinos remain a major part of the market, particularly in Metro Manila and other tourism centres, but electronic and online gaming have expanded quickly as more operators move into digital channels.
The regulator has also faced pressure to strengthen oversight of the sector following the government’s move to shut down Philippine offshore gaming operators, or POGOs. PAGCOR said in 2024 that it would cancel offshore gaming licenses in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s order to ban POGOs by the end of that year.
The new helpline gives PAGCOR a more visible consumer-protection tool at a time when online gambling is becoming a larger part of the domestic gaming market.
PAGCOR said people affected by gambling-related problems, including relatives of those at risk, may contact the helpline at (02) 8248-9568.