Responsible Gaming

Gambling should always be a form of entertainment, not a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose. Treat any losses as the cost of your entertainment, and set strict limits on both time and money before you start playing.

Age Verification

You must be at least 18 years old (or the legal age for gambling in your jurisdiction) to participate in any gambling activity. In the Philippines, the legal gambling age for casino gaming is 21. Always verify your age and identity before playing. Underage gambling is illegal and harmful.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Ask yourself these questions. If you answer "yes" to any of them, you may be at risk:

• Do you chase losses by returning to win back money you have lost?
• Do you hide your gambling activity from family or friends?
• Do you gamble with money meant for bills, rent, or essentials?
• Do you borrow money or sell possessions to gamble?
• Do you lie about how much time or money you spend gambling?
• Do you feel guilty, anxious, or ashamed after gambling?
• Do you neglect work, studies, or family responsibilities because of gambling?
• Have you tried to stop or cut back but couldn’t?
• Do you gamble to escape stress, depression, or other problems?

Self-Help Tools

Most reputable gambling platforms offer tools to help you stay in control. Use them:

• Deposit limits – cap how much you can add to your account daily, weekly, or monthly.
• Loss limits – set a maximum amount you are willing to lose in a given period.
• Reality checks – receive time reminders after a set period of play.
• Session time limits – restrict how long you can play in one sitting.
• Cooling-off periods – take a break from gambling for a set number of days.
• Self-exclusion – block yourself from gambling for months or permanently.

Support Organizations

If you or someone you know needs help, contact a professional support service. Help is free, confidential, and available in many countries.

• Philippines – PAGCOR Responsible Gaming Program: www.pagcor.ph. You can also reach Gamblers Anonymous Philippines for peer support.
• United Kingdom – GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk | GamStop (self-exclusion): www.gamstop.co.uk
• Australia – Gambling Help Online: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
• Canada – Responsible Gambling Council: www.responsiblegambling.org
• United States – National Council on Problem Gambling: www.ncpgambling.org
• Germany – Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA): www.bzga.de
• Other countries – search for your national problem gambling helpline or visit Gamblers Anonymous International for local meetings.

If you feel that gambling is no longer just entertainment for you, please seek help today. You are not alone, and recovery is possible.