Looking for legal gambling in the Philippines?
We outline how you can play legally in the Philippines
The legality of playing in the Philippines will differ if you are a citizen as opposed to being a visitor, such as a tourist or short-term worker. In summary, citizens of the Philippines are permitted to play at online casinos that are licensed and regulated offshore. In regards to land based venues, only licensed and regulated casinos by each region is allowed to accept players. However, unfortunately they are not allowed to accept Filipino players.
For non-residents, they are allowed to play at either local or offshore online casinos, and are only permitted to play at land based venues that are licensed and regulated by each region.
Licensed offshore and regulated online casinos offer a wide variety of real money gambling games that Filipinos can legally play at. However, please be aware, that not ALL games are legal by Filipino law. Traditional games such as blackjack, roulette, baccarat, sic bo and slots are acceptable. As well as poker, keno, bingo and sports betting is allowed. Not allowed is Last Two, Masiao, and Junteng gambling.
Ultimate Philippines Guide to Legal Gambling
In our ultimate guide, we lead you through all you need to know if you are looking to play at online casinos, land based, local or offshore from the Philippines.
We outline licensing and regulations, reputable casinos to play at, regional laws and history of gambling.
For non-residents of the Philippines that includes: tourists, visitors and short term residency or short term workers, you will be pleased to know that you are not restricted from playing at any licensed and regulated onshore/offshore land based or online casino platform.
As an international of the Philippines, you have the luxury of having more legal gambling options to choose from.
The Philippines offers a substantial gaming experience that is comparable to that of Macau. It is fast becoming a gamblers preferred destination, especially among high rollers from China. This is due to President Duterte launching a massive marketing campaign to attract Chinese gamblers.
Casino resorts can be found spread across the many beautiful islands of the Philippines. Each region has their own gambling laws, but remain very similar. Unfortunately, at the land based casino resorts, the variety of games is restricted and relatively narrow when compared to what is offered at online casinos.
Hence, we strongly recommend playing at online casinos for the best experience.
In addition, although casino resorts populate the islands; the regional authorities have the right to restrict various forms of real money gambling. Therefore, to experience the full variety of games available we recommend using licensed Philippines legal online casinos that are based offshore.
Online casinos recommended here are thoroughly evaluated and each have casino reviews available on this site.
Can you play at Online Casinos Legally from the Philippines?
Yes, you can. If you are a Filipino player, you can legally sign up and play at online casinos if they are based offshore. This means that that casino is licensed, regulated and hosted in a territory that supports and monitors online casino operations. Filipino law was ruled upon in 2012, in the court of law. It was found that there was no impediment in the Presidential Decree or any other national laws that prevents residents from wagering real money at online casinos.
However, it has been imposed on by law, that local operators are not permitted to accept residents of the Philippines. Therefore, it is technically illegal for the online casino operator, but legal for the player.
With regional laws restricting onshore online casinos to accept foreigners only, locals must play at offshore online casinos only.
Top Legal Online Casinos For Filipinos
Most Reputable – Betonline Sportsbook And Casino
You cannot find a more reputable, honest and trusted online casino than Betonline. For Filipinos they are the largest online casino platform out there. They have a wide variety of casino games, and also offer live casino, poker and sports betting!
Betonline has a long standing history of offering quality customer service, having been established since 2010.
Filipino players (and foreigners residing in the Philippines) are entitled to 100% bonus up to $4,000 spread through to the 3rd deposit.
Best Legal Filipino Online Casinos
A legal online casino for the Philippines is dependent on whether the player is a local or a foreigner. Locals are only legally allowed to gamble at casinos which have an approved license and appropriately regulated by an offshore, regulated territory from which they are based.
Technically regional districts are not allowed to accept locals. In fact, it is imposed on the casino to monitor who their players are. But, in the eyes of the law, it is in fact not illegal for a local player to place a wager anywhere. As long as the gambling operator is willing to accept the wager, the local player has the legal right to place a bet.
Thus, arguably it is NOT illegal for locals to place a bet anywhere, but rather the onus is on the casino operator. Therefore, Filipinos will find that the majority, if not all, of online casinos are offshore.
These are legal for Filipinos to play at, and fall outside of the Philippine government’s jurisdiction.
For foreigners there are no restrictions whether onshore or offshore. Local casinos are legally allowed to accept foreigners, both online and land based. There is no illegality of a foreigner placing a bet.
Finding the best Legal Philippines Online Casino
As an individual it is difficult to find the best legal online casino for Filipinos. That is why, we have created a list of the best legal online casinos for the Philippines for your selection.
We are a team of professional online casino reviewers, with decades of experience in the online casino industry. We analyze each online casino against a set of criteria which judges the playing experience for Filipinos. As analysts, we regularly keep abreast of the online casino market developments, we connect with the casino operators, and even assist players should they come across any issues.
Our recommendations ensure the legality of online casinos for Filipinos, and we extend our review to ensure the best playing experience possible.
Filipino Legal Online Casino Games
Slots
Slots is the most popular game in the world. And in the Philippines, this is no exception. Slots are easy to play, and there is such a wide variety to choose from. These range from various reels, different jackpots and variations in denominations. Not mention there are an innumerable number of themes.
In regards to software providers, there are literally hundreds of reputable game providers that include RTG (RealTime Gaming) and NetEnt.
Filipinos can enjoy and win at a wide range of online slots.
Blackjack
Coming in at a close second is blackjack. There are countless variations of blackjack that can be found online. In the past, RNG driven blackjack was the most popular legal form of blackjack. However, Live Casino gambling is now more popular. The similarity of playing at a land based casino with real dealers cannot be surpassed with live casino. The assurance of an unmanipulated outcome because of the use of real dealers is a comfort to many.
Online blackjack is a legal form of gambling for Filipinos. As well as for foreigners like Chinese residing in the Philippines.
Roulette
I love roulette. It’s one of the few traditional casino games that doesn’t require dealing cards that I love. Often at land based casino, you will not be able to find the variation that you want to play at, European, French or American. But online, you will find them all. And they are all legal!
Baccarat
The Asian game of choice is Baccarat! Long gone are the days of bending the cards and waiting a life time to place a bet. Now you can find legally online, baccarat that is play at speed, at pace, and with several variations. Place a side bet if you wish, and double your winnings.
Sic Bo
Also known as big small or dai sai, this game is also a huge favorite among Asians. You can find several legal online live casinos offering sic bo, although not as easily found as the other traditional casino games, it can be found in the best online casinos.
Live Casino with Real Dealers
The most popular form of online casino gambling is now via live steaming of real dealers, direct to your playing device. There are many legal offshore live casinos that accept Filipinos. The best software providers offer in picture viewing, and amazing features that includes unlimited side bets, back behinds and for blackjack, double ups.
Mobile App Casinos
Previously, one of the most popular methods of playing, but now dying down because of the advancement of HTML which allows any browser to play an online casinos site. Nevertheless Filipinos can find a wide range of legal mobile casino apps that can be quickly and easily downloaded to the mobile device. Please be aware, that some mobile devices are too outdated to enable a mobile casino app to be downloaded and played. Hence, our preference for you to stick to playing via a browser
Nevertheless, if you are one of the lucky ones that can download and play at the mobile casino app, you will have an enjoyable, fast and integrated playing experience.
Sports Betting
We know Filipinos love their sports betting, especially on the NBA and other local basketball games. Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is also a fan favorite. Fortunately for the Philippines all the big brands of sports betting, in particular the online bookies, are willing and able to accept Filipinos.
Again, as long as they remain offshore, these sports betting sites are legal for both residents and non residents of the Philippines.
Bitcoin Casinos
Bitcoin is bursting onto the online casino scene, and the Philippines is not the only one joining the Bitcoin craze. Not only is BTC a form of payment method for gambling that players are turning to, but the technology has allowed for Provably Fair casino games to be invented. These games are legal and are the most fair of all casino games, since they can be verified.