In the Philippines, gambling is regulated primarily by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). Recognizing the potential for gambling-related harm, PAGCOR has established a Responsible Gaming (RG) Code of Practice. A cornerstone of this program is the National Database of Restricted Persons (NDRP), which facilitates the exclusion of individuals from both land-based casinos and licensed online gaming platforms.

1. Legal Basis and Purpose

The Voluntary Exclusion Program is an administrative remedy designed to assist "problem gamblers" in regaining control over their lives. It is founded on the principle of self-determination, where an individual formally requests gaming providers to deny them entry and service. Under PAGCOR’s mandates, all licensed gaming entities—including Integrated Resorts (IRs), boutique casinos, and licensed electronic gaming (E-Games) sites—are required to enforce these exclusion orders.

2. Scope of the Exclusion

Once an application for voluntary exclusion is processed, the individual is placed on the NDRP. This list is shared with all PAGCOR-operated and licensed gaming venues across the country.

The exclusion applies to:

Land-based Casinos: All PAGCOR-owned (Casino Filipino) and privately owned licensed casinos (e.g., Solaire, Okada, City of Dreams, Newport World Resorts).
Online and Remote Gaming: Licensed Electronic Games (E-Games), Electronic Bingo (E-Bingo), and sports betting platforms regulated by PAGCOR.
Ancillary Services: Excluded individuals are removed from marketing databases, loyalty programs, and are prohibited from receiving credit or promotional offers.

3. The Application Process

The process is straightforward but legally binding. An applicant must follow these specific steps:

A. Submission of Application

The applicant must download and complete the Voluntary Exclusion Form (Annex "A"). This form is available on the official PAGCOR website or at the Responsible Gaming stations within casinos.

B. Documentary Requirements

To verify identity and intent, the following must be submitted:

A fully accomplished form: Signed and, in some cases, notarized (though PAGCOR often accepts witnessed signatures at their offices).
Valid Government ID: A photocopy of a passport, driver’s license, UMID, or any other primary government-issued identification.
Recent Photograph: A high-definition "passport-sized" photo (taken within the last six months) to ensure facial recognition systems can identify the individual.

C. Submission Channels

Applications can be submitted via:

Email: Sent directly to the PAGCOR Responsible Gaming Department.
In-Person: At the PAGCOR Corporate Office or any Responsible Gaming (RG) officer stationed at licensed casinos.

4. Duration and Irrevocability

Applicants must choose a specific period for their exclusion. Under current guidelines, the available terms are:

6 Months
1 Year
5 Years

Important Legal Note: Once the application is submitted and processed, the exclusion is irrevocable for the duration of the chosen term. An individual cannot request to be "un-banned" mid-term, even if they claim to be "cured" or in a better financial state.

5. Consequences of Breach

The exclusion order is not merely a suggestion; it carries significant consequences if violated:

Forfeiture of Winnings: If an excluded person manages to bypass security and wins while gambling, the gaming provider is legally prohibited from paying out the winnings. These funds are typically forfeited in favor of the government or a designated charity.
Escorted Removal: If identified on the premises, the individual will be immediately escorted out by security.
Criminal Charges: In some instances, repeated attempts to enter a gaming venue while under an exclusion order can result in charges of trespassing or a violation of administrative regulations.
Online Account Suspension: Online platforms are required to use KYC (Know Your Customer) protocols to cross-reference new registrations against the NDRP. Any existing accounts will be permanently frozen.

6. Lifting the Exclusion

The exclusion does not automatically expire in a way that grants immediate entry after the term ends. To be removed from the NDRP after the lapse of the exclusion period, the individual must:

Submit a Request to Lift Exclusion.
Wait for a formal notification from PAGCOR confirming their removal from the database.
In some cases, show proof of completion of a counseling program if it was a condition of their specific exclusion case.

7. Comparison: Voluntary vs. Family Exclusion

It is important to distinguish this from Family Exclusion. Under the same Code of Practice, immediate family members (spouse, parents, or children at least 18 years of age) may also apply to have a relative excluded. While Voluntary Exclusion is initiated by the gambler, Family Exclusion is a protective measure initiated by those affected by the gambler’s behavior. The legal requirements for Family Exclusion are more stringent, requiring proof of relationship and evidence of the harm caused by the subject's gambling.