PAYMENT METHODS AND ONLINE CASINOS IN THE PHILIPPINES
Top Casinos and Best Banking Options for Philippine Players
Casino Banking Methods is your reliable source of information regarding online gambling markets. This time, we take you to the Philippines, an archipelagic Asian country where gambling has been present since the 16th century. As a matter of fact, land-based casinos are one of the country’s main attractions.
Are online casinos as popular as their land-based counterparts in the Philippines? Are they legal? Can Philippine players use their local currency to play online casino games? These are just some questions our comprehensive guide to the Philippine online gambling market will cover.
We have done our homework and compiled the best gambling sites catering to Philippine players. Since you cannot win real money payouts without real money deposits and stakes, we also discuss the most convenient banking options. Keep reading to learn more about the best payment methods for online gambling in this Asian country.
Best Philippines Online Casinos
On this page, Philippine players can find the best online gambling destinations. We focus on online casinos that accept the Philippine peso (PHP) and let you make transactions smoothly through convenient, local banking methods. In addition, all gaming venues included in our list are established and licensed, so you don’t have to worry about safety or fairness.
Needless to say, they offer an extensive game collection, pleasing all kinds of players. Take a look at our list of the best Filipino online casinos and pick the one you like.
Slots Palace
18+ | New Customers Only |
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18+ | New Customers Only |
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Top Casino Banking Methods in the Philippines
Not all banking methods are convenient for online gambling. Some won’t let you use local currencies, while cashing out via others may take a long time. Because of that, we strive to find the best payment options in various markets. This guide uncovers the best solutions for online casino transactions in the Philippines.
Review & Best Casinos
- Top option for Philippines
- Various in-app features
- Licensed by the central bank
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- Fast casino transactions
- Available around the globe
- 165 supported currencies
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- A leading payment solution
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Review & Best Casinos
- Fast casino payments
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- Designed with iGaming focus
Review & Best Casinos
- Available around the globe
- Designed with iGaming focus
- Fast deposits & withdrawals
Review & Best Casinos
- Instant deposits & withdrawals
- Safe and reliable e-Wallet
- Widely accepted at casinos
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- Fast casino withdrawals
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- Cryptocurrencies supported
Review & Best Casinos
- Fast and secure transactions
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- High maximum cashout limit
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- Trusted, traditional method
- Widely available
- Supports deposits & withdrawals
Laws and Regulations on Online Gambling in the Philippines
Gambling has been present in the Philippines since the 16th century. However, some believe Filipinos engaged in certain forms of gambling before the Spanish colonial period, introduced by the Chinese who traveled to the archipelago for business.
The first forms of gambling were institutionalized during the Spanish period, though. They included betting on cockfights, card games and more. In the early 19th century, horse racing and lotteries were introduced.
With the popularity of gambling activities increasing, a few casinos were also established. Gambling became so popular that people wagered significant amounts of money, and Spanish colonizers did not manage to curb these activities. So, in the 19th century, gambling was the prevalent pastime.
Compared with other Asian countries, the Philippines is quite progressive regarding (online) gambling regulation. As a result, two distinct regions are created for gambling purposes, with two bodies regulating the market.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), a state-owned corporation, regulates gambling in most of the country and operates land-based casinos and bookmakers. Another body is the First Cagayan Resort & Leisure Corporation licensing casinos in Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport. In this area, many independent casinos operate. However, they can offer services to tourists only, so no Filipino players are allowed.
The legal status of online gambling might strike you as a bit confusing. Independent operators, also known as Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), can obtain a local license to offer their services. Yet, they must not accept Filipinos.
However, it does not mean Filipinos cannot enjoy online gambling. They can join gambling sites registered and licensed abroad. The current law does not state overtly that placing bets online is an offense. Therefore, Philippine citizens have many options to freely enjoy their favorite forms of gambling. Legal forms of entertainment include casino games, from slots to table games, poker, sports betting, horse racing, lotteries and more.
Are You Required to Pay Taxes on Winnings?
With online gambling being a somewhat grey area in the Philippines, taxes on gambling winnings are also open for discussion. The country’s tax treatment of winnings is vague, so most players don’t declare income from gambling activities.
However, a tax of 10% applies to winnings of up to PHP 10,000 in theory. At the same time, winnings of PHP 10,000 and more are subject to a 20% tax. The good news is that you won’t have to pay taxes when playing at offshore casinos, as Philippine laws don’t apply to them. Also, no reports show that the government has prosecuted domestic gamblers for tax evasion.
Can Casinos That Accept Philippine Players Be Trusted?
Although not all Philippine-friendly online casinos can be trusted, those featured on our website are trustworthy. They are regulated and licensed by reputable regulatory bodies, authorizing them to offer services worldwide.
For instance, Jiliko Casino, a gambling site catering exclusively to Philippine players, holds a license issued by the First Cagayan Resort & Leisure Corporation.
Philippine players can also join online casinos registered and licensed abroad. Some of the best gambling sites accepting players from this country are regulated in jurisdictions such as Curacao, Malta and Gibraltar, to name a few.
One of the key indicators that an online casino can be trusted is a list of well-established providers. They have undergone required tests to prove the fairness of their products, so you can enjoy them without worries.
Also, the best PHP online casinos ensure their customers’ data are 100% safe and secure. They employ the latest encryption technologies to protect the sensitive information they collect from any cyber threat.
Best Casino Bonuses for Philippine Players
Filipinos are not left out when it comes to bonuses and promotions available at online casinos. They can benefit from various incentives from the get-go. Welcome offers may come in the form of first deposit bonuses and bonus packages, boosting players’ bankrolls and adding free spins to their accounts.
The best PHP online casinos have a lot to offer to new and existing players. Take your time and check promotional deals to find the best ones that suit your playing style.
Winz.io
Free Spins
SLOTS
None
Ongoing
€20
No
PlayUZU
No Wagering
Not needed
None
Ongoing
€10
No maximum
PlayOJO
Free Spins
No Wagering
Welcome Package
None
Ongoing
€10
No maximum
Neon 54
Cashback
Not Needed
1x
Ongoing
€10
Nomini
Cashback
Not needed
1x
Ongoing
€50
No maximum
Jiliko
No Deposit
20x
Ongoing
₱100
₱500
888 Casino
Deposit
Free Play
Not needed
30x B
Ongoing
€20
€500
King Billy
Deposit
Free Spins
Not needed
30xB
Ongoing
€10
No maximum
Local Payment Methods to Consider
One of the best things about Philippines-facing online casinos is that they support multiple payment methods. They include local banking solutions which enable players to make transactions in PHP. Two most popular local payment options for online gambling are GCash and GrabPay.
Both methods are e-wallets, facilitating fast online casino deposits and withdrawals. They are supported by online casinos listed on this page, so simply pick the one and make your first payment to start playing now!
Depositing with PHP Currency
Depositing in your local currency comes with many benefits. First of all, you won’t have to pay conversion fees, meaning more money to wager on your favorite casino games. Furthermore, you won’t have to convert bet values into PHP, so you will quickly understand how much money you invest in each round.
All casinos picked by our team are PHP-friendly, so you can enjoy your stay without worrying about unnecessary expenses. Sign up with one of them and start depositing in PHP for a chance to hit a big win.
Top Land-Based Casinos in the Philippines
With gambling being legalized back in 1976, it comes as no surprise that the Philippines boast luxurious gambling halls, most of which are located in the Entertainment City of Metro Manila. To play at brick-and-mortar casinos, you must be 21 or older. Below you can find our selection of the best land-based casinos in the Philippines.
Okada Manila
Dubbed the Jewel of Entertainment City, Okada Manila is part of the complex spreading across 42 hectares of scenic oceanfront. It offers over 3,000 gaming machines, allegedly the highest progressive jackpot in the country and numerous table games, including Sic Bo, Craps, Blackjack and Poker variants, Baccarat and more.
You can enjoy various amenities and events if you want to take a break from gambling. Okada offers a range of restaurants where visitors can try delicious Japanese, Korean, Filipino and Italian dishes. Pamper yourself at spas, swim in an outdoor or indoor pool or try some of the available fitness solutions.
City of Dreams Manila
Powered by renewable energy, City of Dreams Manila is an integrated resort. Claiming to offer “sustainable luxury,” the resort brings 5-star hotels Hyatt Regency, Nuwa and Nobu Hotel under a single roof in the Entertainment City of Metro Manila. Its casino brags more than 1,600 slot machines, 150+ electronic table games and almost 300 traditional table games.
Players can take advantage of multiple offers, including slot tournaments, giveaways and vouchers. The Melco Club is a loyalty program offering various perks and rewards to players who earn points through spending on gaming and non-gaming activities. In addition, guests can enjoy meals made of locally sourced products and artisanal coffee drinks brewed from Filipino beans. The resort is committed to becoming eco-friendly and carbon-neutral and achieving zero waste operations by 2030.
Solaire Resort & Casino
The first integrated resort in the Entertainment City, Solaire Resort & Casino, spreads on 8.3 hectares. It is home to more than 1,000 slot machines, 300 Baccarat, Pontoon, Roulette, Blackjack and Poker tables, Money Wheel and more. In addition, the casino has the Solaire Club, a luxury gaming space exclusive to VIP members.
Here, you can stay in one of 800 luxurious rooms in two towers and have specialties from Japanese and Chinese to Italian cuisine. Many wellness, recreation and entertainment options are available, so choose what suits your mood best and enjoy your stay.
Metro Card Club
Last but not least, we have the Metro Card Club. Launched in 2007 and located in Pasig City, it is the largest venue in the country, offering 30 poker tables. Open 24/7, the poker room offers daily tournaments and cash games. Players can join Texas Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha tables and benefit from promotions, such as bonus chips for pre-registration.
The venue has a VIP section, where regular players can be rewarded for loyalty. Once you are done with poker, you can enjoy billiards or grab a drink at the bar.
Most Famous Gamblers
With more than $2 million in total live earnings, Mike Takayama is the most famous poker player from the Philippines. In 2018, Takayama became the first Filipino to claim a WSOP gold bracelet, winning $198,568 in cash.
Another successful professional poker player from the Philippines is Marc Rivera. His total live earnings of more than $2.6 million got him to #1 on the Philippines All-Time Money list. Unfortunately, Rivera has not won a WSOP event so far.
Next up, Florencio Campomanes started playing poker at the age of 18. Also known as Flo, he should not be mixed up with Florencio Campomanes, a Filipino political scientist and chess player. Flo’s total live earnings exceed $1.3 million. During his poker career, he played regularly at Asian events. However, he has not participated in WSOP events, explaining that the biggest poker tournament sounds “too much like a grind.”
Fun Facts
The Philippines is one of the most religious countries in the world, with more than 80% of the population baptized as Catholics.
In the Philippines, making wagers on games of chance, such as mahjong, during wakes is a common way to honor the dead and help the family cover funeral expenses.
In 2005, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) categorically denied that they had ever knowingly received funds from illegal gamblers.
Cockfighting is still popular in the Philippines, with the winning team eating the losing cock after the fight finishes.
The gambling industry in the Philippines has created tens of thousands of jobs in the last 10 years.
Out of 51 land-based casinos operating in the Philippines, 38 are run by the gaming regulatory body.
Integrated resorts with casinos are one of the key reasons why tourists visit the Philippines.
The gross revenue of jueteng, an illegal number-based game, can reach $500 million, with around one-third paid to authorities for protection.
Former president Joseph Estrada was involved in several scandals related to gambling, including the one where he was accused of receiving cash payouts from the forbidden game jueteng.
FAQ
Is online gambling legal in the Philippines?
Yes, you can enjoy online gambling in the Philippines without worrying about violating the law.
Can Philippine players use PHP to gamble online?
Yes, the best online casinos catering to Philippine players allow them to use their local currency, the Philippine peso.
Do I have to pay taxes on gambling wins in the Philippines?
No, you don’t have to pay taxes on winnings obtained in gambling activities in the Philippines.
Can I claim bonuses at Philippine online casinos?
Absolutely. Philippine-friendly online casinos offer various bonuses and promotions to new and existing customers.
Where to find the best PHP online casinos?
Some of the top-rated PHP online casinos are listed on this page, so check them out to find the one that suits your needs best.