How to Check If an Online Gambling App Is PAGCOR-Licensed — and How to Report Scams (Philippine Context)

This article explains how PAGCOR licensing works, how to verify a license properly, the red flags of illegal/ scam apps, and exactly how to report and escalate cases. It reflects generally applicable rules and best practices in the Philippines as of mid-2024. It is not legal advice.

TL;DR (Quick Checklist)

Find the disclosures. On the app/site, look for: (a) company name (legal entity), (b) license type/number, (c) responsible gaming notice and age limit (21+).
Match the license to the brand & domain. A real license identifies the specific operator and usually the brand/URL it covers. A random PAGCOR logo ≠ proof.
Confirm the license category. If it’s offshore-only (POGO/IGL) it must not accept players in the Philippines.
Check for KYC & limits. Legal apps do age/ID checks, offer self-exclusion, and display clear T&Cs.
If anything feels off, don’t deposit. Capture evidence and report (steps below).

Why PAGCOR Matters

PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation) is the national gaming regulator. Under PD 1869 (as amended by RA 9487), it operates and licenses many forms of gaming and polices illegal gambling.
Two broad buckets of licenses you’ll see in the wild:
- Domestic/Onshore licenses — for games legally offered to players in the Philippines (e.g., online casino, e-bingo, sports betting) under PAGCOR authority.
- Offshore licenses — historically called POGO (now widely referred to under updated “internet gaming” frameworks). These allow serving players outside the Philippines only. If a site holds an offshore license but accepts Philippine players, that’s a red flag.

Note: PCSO (lotteries like lotto) is a different agency. A lotto app should cite PCSO, not PAGCOR. Mixing the two is suspicious. Note 2: E-sabong operations were halted nationwide; any app claiming current e-sabong authorization is almost certainly illegal.

The Right Way to Verify a PAGCOR License (Step-by-Step)

1) Gather the app’s “legal imprint”

From the footer, “About,” “Terms,” or “Responsible Gaming” pages, collect:

Full legal entity (often a Philippine corporation’s registered name).
License type (e.g., Internet/online casino, e-bingo, sports betting; onshore vs offshore).
License or authority number (if stated).
Brand and exact domain(s)/app package name covered.
Responsible gaming statements (age limit 21+ for casino-type games, self-exclusion, hotline info).

If the app shows only a PAGCOR logo but no operator name or license details, treat that as unverified until proven otherwise.

2) Cross-check the operator and brand

Verify that the company name on the app matches the name in PAGCOR’s public licensee information. Also check that:

The category (casino, sports, e-bingo, etc.) aligns with what the app actually offers.
The brand/URL/app specifically appear under that operator’s authorization (legitimate licenses often identify the brand or domains).
If the app claims offshore authority, it may not lawfully offer games to Philippine residents. Offshore license ≠ permission to serve PH players.

3) Confirm responsible-gaming & player protections

A compliant PH-facing app will typically have:

Know-Your-Customer (KYC): identity & age verification (21+).
Account limits (deposit/loss/time), self-exclusion links, and problem gambling resources.
Clear T&Cs, privacy and complaints procedures.
Local tax and compliance references where applicable.

4) Validate payments

Legal apps use regulated payment channels (local banks/e-wallets/cards) with proper receipts and merchant descriptors.
Red flags: crypto-only or informal payment routes, personal bank accounts, “GCash/PayMaya to private numbers,” or pressure to confirm deposits via chat.

5) Don’t rely on marketing claims

“PAGCOR-approved,” “PAGCOR certified,” or borrowed seals are easy to fake.
“Licensed in Curaçao/Malta/Isle of Man” alone does not authorize operations in the Philippines.

Red Flags That Usually Mean “Illegal or Scam”

No operator’s full legal name or license details anywhere; or details that change across pages.
Offshore license while openly soliciting players in the Philippines.
No KYC; minors allowed; no 21+ messaging; no self-exclusion.
Side-loaded APKs, Telegram/FB links instead of legitimate app stores; fake app-store listings.
Deposit via personal accounts, “handlers,” or chat instructions; requests to “upgrade VIP” or “unlock withdrawals.”
Guaranteed returns, “investment packages,” or task-type schemes (these are investment scams wearing a gambling skin).
Conflicting or missing T&Cs, no physical or virtual customer support channel, or refusal to disclose the operator’s full company details.
Withdrawal hurdles: endless “additional taxes/fees,” “unlock levels,” or forced re-deposits.

Reporting & Escalation Guide (What to Do If You Suspect a Scam)

A) Preserve evidence (before anything is deleted)

Screenshots/screen recordings: landing pages, T&Cs, license claims, chat threads, deposit/withdrawal screens, error messages.
URLs/app identifiers: domain, exact app name and publisher, package ID.
Transaction records: e-wallet/bank receipts, card statements, reference numbers.
Communications: emails, SMS, in-app messages, group chats.
Timeline: dates, amounts, who said what.

B) Report to PAGCOR (illegal gambling / misuse of PAGCOR branding)

File a report via PAGCOR’s official channels (website “Contact” or “Report Illegal Gambling/Abuse,” or by email/letter as indicated on the official site).
Provide operator/brand, domain/app, what is offered, how you found it, and all evidence.
Ask PAGCOR to verify the license and to act against unlicensed or misrepresenting operators.

C) Report to law enforcement & regulators

NBI – Cybercrime Division: for online fraud, estafa, identity theft, access device crimes.
PNP – Anti-Cybercrime Group: for cyber fraud/extortion; they coordinate site takedowns with other agencies.
CICC (under DICT): national cybercrime reporting channels (e.g., hotline/online portals) for triage and coordination.
SEC: if the “app” is really an investment scheme (promising returns, recruiting deposits).
BSP-regulated institutions / e-wallets / card issuers: open a fraud/dispute ticket with your bank/e-money issuer; request chargeback or reversal if applicable; submit your evidence bundle.

Tip: File reports in parallel (PAGCOR + NBI/PNP-ACG + payment provider). Keep your case number(s) and follow up in writing.

D) Ask for technical and platform enforcement

App stores (Google/Apple): report the app as fraudulent/illegal gambling.
Social platforms: report pages/groups that promote the scam.
Domain hosts: if you can identify the hosting/registrar, many accept abuse reports for illegal activity.

E) Protect yourself afterwards

Reset passwords and enable 2-factor authentication on email, e-wallets, and banking apps.
Monitor statements and credit reports for unusual activity.
Consider a SIM-change or account-level blocks if you shared sensitive info.

Special Cases & Clarifications

Offshore license ≠ Philippine legality. If you’re in the Philippines and the app serves you under an offshore/POGO-type authorization, treat it as not authorized domestically.
PCSO vs. PAGCOR: Lotto products fall under PCSO, not PAGCOR. Any app that says “PAGCOR lotto” is misrepresenting.
Minimum age: Casino-type gambling requires 21+. Legal apps use KYC to enforce this.
Responsible Gaming / Self-Exclusion: PAGCOR administers self-exclusion across licensees. A legitimate operator will show how to enroll or honor an existing exclusion.
E-sabong: Operations previously halted; apps claiming current e-sabong authorization are not legitimate.

Practical Verification Flow (Use This Before You Deposit)

Identify the operator (full corporate name) and license type/number on the app/site.
Check PAGCOR’s official licensee info (operator name, license category, brand/domain).
Confirm the category is onshore if you’re in PH; offshore licenses must not take PH players.
Review KYC/age controls, self-exclusion, and T&Cs.
Test support (email/chat). Ask them to confirm:
- The legal entity operating the app.
- The exact PAGCOR authorization and its scope.
- Whether your domain/app is covered, and for PH players.
- Where to file a formal complaint.
If answers are vague or inconsistent, walk away and report.

If You’ve Already Lost Money

Immediately report to your bank/e-wallet (fraud/dispute). Provide receipts and a concise timeline.
File criminal complaints (NBI/PNP-ACG) and report to PAGCOR for illegal operation.
Keep communications in writing and request acknowledgments.
For large losses or identity theft, consult a lawyer to explore estafa, unjust enrichment, or data-privacy remedies and to coordinate preservation requests/subpoenas.

Sample Complaint Outline (you can reuse)

Subject: Illegal Online Gambling / Fraud Report — <App data-preserve-html-node="true"/Brand>, <Domain data-preserve-html-node="true"/App ID> Your Details: Name, contact, location (city/province) Operator Claimed: (if any) Where/How Found: (ad/site/store/social) + date What They Offer: (casino/sports/e-bingo/lotto etc.) Why Suspected Illegal/Scam: (no license details; offshore license but serving PH; refusal to pay; forced “VIP top-ups”; fake PAGCOR logos…) Evidence Attached: screenshots, receipts (refs & dates), chats, domain/app links Losses: amount(s), dates, payment channels Requested Action: verify license; take down/block; investigate/prosecute; assist with recovery; advise on next steps

FAQ

Is a PAGCOR logo enough? No. You need the operator name, license type, and proof the specific app/domain is covered.

The app says it’s “licensed offshore.” Can I legally play from the Philippines? No. Offshore authorizations do not allow serving players in the Philippines.

The app pays out small amounts but blocks big withdrawals. Is that a scam sign? Yes—classic grooming behavior to build trust before denying large withdrawals.

Can I get my money back? There’s no guarantee. Your best shot is immediate disputes with your bank/e-wallet, plus formal reports (PAGCOR + law enforcement) and platform complaints.

Final Notes

Laws and regulatory frameworks evolve. For the current official list of licensees, complaint channels, and guidance, consult PAGCOR’s official website and the reporting portals of NBI/PNP-ACG/CICC.
When in doubt, do not deposit until you’ve independently verified the operator and license details.

If you want, I can turn this into a printable one-page checklist or draft a ready-to-send complaint email using your details.