Responsible Play, Limits and Self-Exclusion

Personal Money and Time Limits

Choose a small entertainment amount after housing, food, utilities, health care, education, debt, savings, and family needs are covered. Do not increase the limit after a loss or an emotional event. Keep a written record of deposits, withdrawals, and time spent instead of relying on memory.

Use a timer and schedule non-gambling activities. Avoid betting while tired, distressed, angry, intoxicated, or trying to escape another problem. If the platform's tools are not enough, use device-level blocking, payment controls, or formal exclusion.

Warning Signs of Gambling Harm

PAGCOR's Responsible Gaming page lists signs including spending more than intended, gambling longer than planned, repeatedly trying to win back losses, increasing debt or unpaid bills, thinking about gambling constantly, borrowing or selling belongings, relationship damage, hopelessness, emotional distress, and significant effects across daily life.

One warning sign is enough to pause and review the situation. Immediate support is appropriate when there is debt, secrecy, repeated loss chasing, inability to stop, or harm to health and relationships.

Account and Device Controls

• Set deposit, spending, loss, or session limits when the verified platform offers them.
• Turn off promotional push notifications, email, SMS, and social-media alerts.
• Remove saved payment methods and uninstall betting apps.
• Use website or app blockers on the phone and computer.
• Ask a trusted person to help monitor a written budget without sharing passwords or banking credentials.
• Use formal exclusion when a temporary break is not enough.

PAGCOR Self-Exclusion

PAGCOR's current procedure allows a person who feels they are developing a gambling problem to request self-exclusion for 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. The first six months are irrevocable. The current page lists an application form, a government-issued photo ID, and a recent 2×2 photo among the requirements.

PAGCOR states that the self-exclusion order is enforced in PAGCOR-operated and regulated gaming facilities and that excluded persons are entered in the national restricted-person database. Review the current form and submission instructions rather than relying on an old copy.

PAGCOR Family Exclusion

A spouse, parent, or child aged at least 18 may request family exclusion for a person experiencing gambling problems, subject to the current documentary requirements. PAGCOR's Responsible Gaming page currently lists possible periods of 6 months, 1 year, or 3 years for family exclusion.

The applicant should read the relationship-document, ID, photo, and form requirements on the official page. Incomplete submissions may not be processed.

Official Support Resources

• 24/7 National Problem Gambling Helpline: (02) 8248-9568 for confidential counseling and referral support.
• PAGCOR Responsible Gaming: current guidance, warning signs, and support centers.
• PAGCOR Player Exclusion: current forms and submission procedure.
• Gamblers Anonymous Philippines: PAGCOR's current page lists 0915 938 2808 and gaphilippines.com; confirm the latest details on the official PAGCOR page.

If there is immediate danger, risk of self-harm, violence, or a medical emergency, contact local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department.

A Seven-Day Stop Plan

1. Today: stop deposits and live betting, log out, and tell one trusted person.
2. Day 1: remove apps, disable promotions, and block gambling websites.
3. Day 2: review bank and wallet transactions and protect essential payments.
4. Day 3: contact the 24/7 helpline or another qualified support resource.
5. Day 4: prepare self-exclusion or family-exclusion documents if needed.
6. Day 5: replace gambling time with a scheduled activity and support contact.
7. Day 6: review triggers, debts, and access points without making a “recovery” bet.
8. Day 7: extend the plan, confirm exclusions, and arrange ongoing counseling or peer support.