Play Safe: Limits, Warning Signs & Free Help

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Warning signs to take seriously

• Playing with money meant for rent, food, tuition or padala.
• Borrowing, using online lending apps, or pawning things to keep playing.
• Chasing losses — "isang bawi na lang."
• Hiding how much you play or spend from family.
• Feeling restless or irritable when you try to cut back.
• Thinking about gaming first thing in the morning.

If two or more of these sound familiar, call the helpline. You don't need to "hit bottom" to deserve help.

Tools that actually help

• Deposit limits: daily, weekly or monthly caps in your casino account settings.
• Cool-off / time-out: lock your account for a day up to several weeks.
• Self-exclusion: ask to be excluded from PAGCOR-licensed gaming, through the operator or with PAGCOR directly.
• Remove the payment path: unlink GCash and Maya from gaming accounts and delete saved cards.
• Blockers: install a gambling-site blocker on your phone.

The 5 OK Rules

1. Fun money only. Rent, tuition and padala money never go into a casino wallet.
2. Set your exits first. A loss limit and a win goal, decided before you log in.
3. One site, one wallet. Fewer accounts mean fewer impulse top-ups.
4. No play when stressed, tipsy or awake at 2 AM. Those sessions cost the most.
5. Tell one person. Someone who knows your limits keeps you honest.

Gaming is only for adults 21 and older. Government officials and employees, and members of the military and police, are barred from PAGCOR-regulated gaming.

Frequently asked questions

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