About PAGCOR

What is PAGCOR?

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is a government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) established on January 1, 1977 through Presidential Decree No. 1067-A. It was later reorganized under Presidential Decree No. 1869, also known as the PAGCOR Charter.

PAGCOR operates under the Office of the President of the Philippines and serves a dual role as both a gaming regulator and operator. It is the only government agency authorized to operate casinos and regulate the Philippine gaming industry, including both land-based and online operations.

PAGCOR's core mandate includes:

• Regulation: Licensing and regulating all casino and online gaming operations in the Philippines
• Revenue Generation: Generating funds for the Philippine government through gaming operations and licensing fees
• Fair Gaming: Ensuring all gaming activities are conducted fairly and transparently
• Anti-Illegal Gambling: Preventing and suppressing illegal gambling activities nationwide
• Social Responsibility: Promoting responsible gaming and funding social welfare programs

PAGCOR contributes billions of pesos annually to the national treasury, making it one of the top revenue-generating GOCCs in the Philippines. A portion of its revenues is mandated to fund the Philippine Sports Commission, the Board of Claims, and local government units.

PAGCOR Licensing for Online Casinos

All legitimate online casinos operating in or targeting the Philippine market must obtain a license from PAGCOR. The agency issues licenses under several categories:

• Integrated Resort Licenses: For large-scale resort and casino developments (e.g., Solaire, Okada, Newport World Resorts)
• PIGO (Philippine Inland Gaming Operator): For domestic online gaming platforms targeting Filipino players
• POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator): For operators targeting players outside the Philippines (note: POGO operations have been subject to increased regulation)

PAGCOR licensing ensures:

• Player Protection: Licensed operators must adhere to strict standards for fair play, data privacy, and secure financial transactions
• Financial Security: Operators must demonstrate financial stability, maintain adequate reserves, and undergo regular financial audits
• Technical Compliance: Gaming platforms must use certified Random Number Generators (RNGs) and meet technical standards for security
• Responsible Gaming: Licensed operators must implement self-exclusion tools, deposit limits, and provide access to problem gambling resources
• Age Verification: Operators must verify that all players are at least 21 years old, the legal gambling age in the Philippines

How to Check a Casino's License

Before depositing money at any online casino, it is essential to verify its PAGCOR license status. Here is how:

1. Visit the official PAGCOR website
2. Look for the list of licensed operators in their regulatory section
3. Check that the casino name and operating company match the license records
4. Note that licenses can be suspended or revoked — always check the current status

A PAGCOR-licensed casino will typically display its license information on its website, often in the footer or "About" section. However, display of a PAGCOR logo alone is not proof of licensing — always verify with PAGCOR directly.

Risks of Playing at Unlicensed Casinos

Playing at unlicensed online casinos carries significant risks:

• No Player Recourse: If disputes arise, there is no regulatory body to appeal to
• Financial Risk: Unlicensed operators may withhold winnings or refuse withdrawals
• No Fair Play Guarantee: Games may not use certified RNGs, meaning results could be manipulated
• Data Privacy Concerns: Your personal and financial data may not be adequately protected
• Legal Issues: Playing at unlicensed sites may violate Philippine gambling laws

All 101 casinos listed on phCasinos hold valid PAGCOR licenses. We strongly recommend only playing at licensed operators.