Gambling has existed in the Philippines since at least the seventeenth century. Various legal and illegal gaming forms can be found practically everywhere throughout the archipelago. The PAGCOR is a government corporation that owns several individual casinos while also serving as a regulator for privately owned casino operators and oversees gambling.
Since 2016, PAGCOR has also given operating licenses and supervised the regulation of the burgeoning online gaming sector that caters to foreign markets. With over twenty casinos in Metro Manila alone, casino gaming and integrated resorts have become an essential part of the Philippines’ tourism attraction.
Philippines Online Betting
The Philippines’ online gaming business is one of the most established in Asia, and many operators are taking advantage of it. However, we’ve chosen to highlight the best platforms below, which stand out for their high-quality items, attractive deals, and confirmed legal status in the country.
Hundreds of bookmakers accept wagers from Filipinos regularly. The majority of the action is around basketball and football, but citizens can bet on any sport worldwide. What would you like to place a bet on? Sportsbooks in the Philippines make it simple to bet on your favorite teams and games. Major sporting events such as the MLB World Series, NBA Finals, FIFA World Cup, and world championship boxing contests are also broadcast.
Is Sports Betting Legal in the Philippines?
In the Philippines, sports betting is only permitted in particular circumstances. Online gambling is legal exclusively for foreigners in the Philippines’ Cagayan province, while it is illegal for residents. The Philippine Amusement and Gambling Corporation manages internet gambling in all other parts of the country (PAGCOR). Citizens are not permitted to gamble from their homes. Instead, customers must visit PAGCOR-run sportsbooks all around the country.
While this makes non-PAGCOR betting sites illegal for Filipinos, the Philippine Court of Appeals declared in 2012 that the Presidential Act establishing PAGCOR does not prohibit Philippine nationals from playing at foreign-based casinos. As a result, many online sports betting firms accept wagers from the Philippines.
What are Popular Sports to Bet on In the Philippines?
Filipinos are passionate about various sports, but basketball is their favorite. The country has a long history with basketball, and the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and NBA games from the United States provide plenty of entertainment. National team games and events, such as the FIBA World Cup, also generate a lot of interest.
Football is also top-rated in the Philippines, with international leagues such as the English Premier League receiving the most attention. Primary sporting events, such as the FIFA World Cup, also attract much attention. Boxing, tennis, baseball, MMA, and esports are other popular sports online.
How to Make a Sportsbook Deposit in the Philippines
Your deposit possibilities may be limited compared to other parts of the world, depending on the sportsbook you choose. Some top-rated betting sites, like okbet, will accept bank transfers from BDO, PNB, UB, BPI, and a wide range of e-wallets, including Gcash and Grabpay, PayMaya, and others.
M.Lhuillier and Cebuana will allow you to pay money to your sportsbook electronically, either online or at a physical location. While they are a little more time-consuming than other methods, they are a great last choice for gamers who cannot use other deposit methods.
Mobile Betting Options
If you prefer to place bets on your smartphone, tablet, or desktop, you should look into your favorite sportsbook’s mobile betting offerings. The majority of sportsbooks have a portable betting option. Most sportsbooks now offer a mobile-optimized version of their website, allowing you to access it from your smartphone or tablet or even on your desktop.
Users may access all of the same functionality on their mobile devices on their computers and laptops with mobile-optimized sites. The sites, in most cases, provide the same functionality as the PC version. If your sportsbook’s website is mobile-friendly, we recommend using Google Chrome or Safari to access it.
The most popular online betting service example is okbet. It has a mobile app with a user-friendly design and simple navigation that will appeal to users. The main screen of the mobile app displays information about current promotions and bonuses. It’s a clone of the leading desktop site, with information on the most popular events, games, slots, live casinos, and live betting. The app’s speed is excellent, making it ideal for live betting in rapidly moving markets. To join in the fun, browse the okbet website and establish a new account, after which you may start playing.