Frankly, gamblers that engage in sports betting often want a safe and secure environment. If you are not familiar with the Philippines gambling industry, you may feel that citizens do not engage in sports betting. 

Sports betting is very popular in the Philippines. The Philippines has numerous online and retail sports betting platforms. Come to think of it, is sports betting legal in the Philippines? 

This Philippines sports betting guide will answer all these questions and more. Right now, eligible gamblers in the Philippines are more than 3 million people. Naturally, online and offline sportsbooks will want to tap into that market. 

Is Sports Betting Legal in the Philippines?

Yes, sports betting whether online or offline is legal in the Philippines. As a matter of fact, sports betting is extremely popular among Filipinos. However, their certain restrictions like:

• Gamblers must be 18 years and above
• Filipinos are required to bet at the Philippine Amusement and Gambling Corporation (PAGCOR)

However, foreigners can place bets with any land-based or online sportsbook in the Philippines. Nonetheless, Filipinos still find a way around betting on the foreign online sportsbook. For instance, most citizens login into online sportsbooks with a VPN to avoid any restrictions. Recently, online sportsbooks in the Philippines are increasing. 

The Sports Betting Market in the Philippines

About a few years ago, when Manny Pacquiao was reigning supreme in the boxing world, the most popular sports betting was boxing. Nevertheless, recently, other sports have become more popular among the sport betting community. Other sports betting markets in the Philippines are:

• Soccer
• Basketball
• NFL
• Hockey
• Rugby
• Tennis
• Horse racing etc.

If you are betting at online sports betting sites, these sports betting markets will be readily available to you. However, the most popular sports betting options at a land-based sportsbook in the Philippines are soccer, basketball, and boxing. 

Regulating Agency in the Philippines

Like most sports betting markets, the Philippines market is regulated by an agency too. The regulating agency is called the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). 

Apart from regulating, licensing, and monitoring the Philippines market, PAGCOR also runs online casinos and sportsbooks. Also, the PAGCOR regulates and monitors the activities of offline and online sports betting sites. 

Revenues generated by the PAGCOR are remitted to the National Treasury. However, the Philippines Sports Commission (PSC) regulates all sports activities in the country. 

Mobile Sports Betting in the Philippines

The mobile sports market in the Philippines is presently waxing stronger. Since the introduction of certain smartphones, mobile sports betting has gained momentum in the country. In most cases, you can log in with your Android or iOS devices. Interestingly, the mobile sports betting platforms are not different from the desktop versions. 

Nowadays, most mobile sportsbooks have mobile apps. These mobile sports betting apps are available on Google Play Store or Apple Store. Also, you can download it from sports betting websites most times. 

Frankly, the bonuses offered by mobile sports betting sites in the Philippines are impressive. However, gamblers must deposit a minimum amount. 

Choosing the Best Sports Betting Operator in the Philippines

The land-based sports betting operators are just a handful in the Philippines compared to their online counterparts. Also, most of the land-based sports betting centers are strictly regulated and any foul play is very rare. What's more, most of the online sports betting sites are foreign-based. Therefore, our major focus here will be to help you choose the best online sports betting sites in the Philippines. 

Licensing: To choose the best online sportsbook, ensure that they are licensed by a trusted agency. There are a lot of scam sportsbook sites operating in the Philippines. So ensure you look out for sites that are approved, monitored, and licensed by a reputable agency.

Security: Check for websites that have a firewall and encryption security. Don’t forget, most of your sensitive details will be logged into this online platform. Ensure they are safe and secure to avoid being scammed.  

Payment Methods: An online sportsbook should have safe and secure payment options. For instance, the safest options are MasterCard, Visa, Skrill, Neteller, Entropay, and so on. 

Reviews: Furthermore, sports betting review websites can also be helpful. They offer in-depth details about the sportsbook operations. Look out for a sportsbook that is recommended by trusted review websites. 

If you take note of these features, you will most likely be choosing the best sportsbooks in the Philippines. 

Conclusion

In the past, sports betting was illegal in the Philippines. However, over the last decade, Philippines laws have accommodated sports betting. Finally, sports betting in the Philippines is a big business. The COVID-19 has made it more popular. Bet responsibly!

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are the popular sports in the Philippines market?

Soccer, basketball, and boxing are the most sports betting options available at the land-based sportsbook. However, online sports betting sites offer a wider range of betting options.  

What is the legal age to bet at sport betting sites in the Philippines?

Gamblers must be 18 years above to bet at both offline and online sportsbooks.

Can I bet at mobile sports betting sites in the Philippines?

Yes, you can. There are several mobile sport betting sites in the Philippines. Similarly, some have mobile betting apps. 

Which agency regulates online sports betting in the Philippines?

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) regulates online sports betting in the Philippines.