How to Report “Casino Plus” and Other Illegal Online Gambling Platforms in the Philippines

This article is for general information in the Philippine context and does not create a lawyer–client relationship.

Executive Summary

If you encounter an online gambling site targeting Filipinos without a Philippine license (e.g., “Casino Plus” or similarly branded platforms), you can:

preserve evidence, 2) report to regulators (PAGCOR) and law-enforcement (NBI Cybercrime Division, PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group, DOJ-Office of Cybercrime/CICC), 3) notify financial service providers (banks/e-wallets) and the AML Council via their public channels or through your provider, and 4) seek civil remedies or consumer redress where appropriate. Site blocking may be pursued through the DICT/NTC after a complaint, and platforms may also face administrative, criminal, and anti-money laundering consequences.

I. Legal Framework (Philippine Context)

1) Licensing and regulation (domestic play):

PAGCOR Charter (originally PD 1869, as amended by subsequent laws) authorizes the regulation and licensing of casino gaming for the domestic market.
For online activity within the Philippines, only entities duly licensed/authorized by PAGCOR to accept bets from persons in the Philippines may lawfully do so. Offshore licenses (POGOs) do not allow accepting bets from persons located in the Philippines.

2) Illegal gambling offenses:

PD 1602 (as amended by later special laws) increases penalties for illegal gambling. It generally penalizes those who organize, maintain, operate, finance, or take part in illegal gambling activities.
RA 9287 imposes stiffer penalties for illegal numbers games (e.g., jueteng/masiao). While focused on numbers games, its existence underscores the State’s policy against illegal betting operations.

3) Cybercrime overlay:

RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act) applies when gambling offenses are conducted online, allowing specialized investigative powers (digital forensics, preservation orders, computer data collection, etc.) and extending jurisdiction to where any element of the offense occurred or where online content is accessed.

4) Anti-Money Laundering (AML):

RA 9160 (AMLA), as amended—and RA 10927 which brought casinos (including internet-based casinos licensed by PAGCOR) under AML coverage—impose duties on covered persons (casinos, banks, e-wallets) to conduct customer due diligence and file transaction reports. Unlicensed operators and their payment channels can trigger suspicious transaction investigations and asset freezing/forfeiture actions.

5) Data privacy and consumer protection (ancillary):

RA 10173 (Data Privacy Act) is implicated where illegal sites mishandle personal data.
RA 8792 (E-Commerce Act) and Philippine consumer protection rules may apply to unfair or deceptive online practices (e.g., rigged games, misrepresentations).

II. What Counts as an “Illegal” Online Gambling Platform?

A platform is likely illegal for local play if it:

Accepts bets from persons in the Philippines without a PAGCOR authorization to do so, even if it claims an “offshore” or foreign license.
Misrepresents its licensing (e.g., using fabricated license seals, linking to unrelated corporate registrations).
Bypasses KYC/age checks, encourages VPN use to mask location, or relies solely on informal payment channels (e.g., peer-to-peer wallet transfers) to avoid scrutiny.
Targets Filipino users (local language, local payment methods, Philippine promos) but cannot produce verifiable PAGCOR authority for domestic online betting.

Important: A POGO or foreign license never authorizes taking bets from players located in the Philippines.

III. Where to Report (and Why Each Channel Matters)

A) PAGCOR (Regulatory/Administrative)

What they can do: Issue cease-and-desist, coordinate site blocking with DICT/NTC, alert law enforcement, and warn the public.
What to submit: Screenshots/recordings of gameplay and deposits, URLs/app links, statements showing payments (bank/e-wallet), operator branding, and any marketing materials targeting PH users.

B) NBI–Cybercrime Division & PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (Criminal Enforcement)

What they can do: Investigate criminal liability (PD 1602 in relation to RA 10175), apply for preservation/seizure of digital evidence, conduct digital forensics, and pursue arrests/charges against operators, agents, and money mules.
What to submit: A detailed Complaint-Affidavit with annexed evidence, plus contact and account details of handlers/agents (if any).

C) DOJ–Office of Cybercrime / CICC (Coordination & Complaints Intake)

What they can do: Coordinate with agencies, expedite take-down/blocking requests through DICT/NTC where proper, and assist in case build-up.
What to submit: Same dossier as above; emphasize ongoing harm (e.g., continuing solicitation of Filipinos).

D) AMLC (via your bank/e-wallet or direct tip)

What they can do: Analyze suspicious transactions, freeze assets (with court approval), and pursue money-laundering cases tied to illegal gambling proceeds.
What to submit: Transaction references, dates, counterparties, and any correspondence proving the gambling nexus.

E) BSP-Supervised Institutions & E-Wallets (Banks, Remittance, Payment Gateways)

What they can do: Block beneficiary accounts, file STRs, and assist in chargebacks or disputes (subject to their rules and time limits).
What to submit: Proof of transfers (screenshots/receipts), dispute narrative, and links to the gambling activity.

F) NTC / DICT (Site/App Blocking, Telco/ISP Coordination)

What they can do: Upon proper request/coordination with lead agencies, direct ISPs to block access to clearly unlawful gambling sites/apps targeting PH users.
What to submit: Precise URLs, IPs, app store links, and any evidence of Philippine targeting.

G) National Privacy Commission (NPC)

When to involve: If the platform leaked or misused personal data (e.g., phishing, doxxing, unauthorized marketing). Provide copies of suspicious messages/emails and proof of consent withdrawal (if applicable).

H) SEC / DTI (Edge Cases)

When to involve: If the gambling site doubles as an investment scheme (profit-sharing, “VIP packages,” referral securities) or uses unfair trade claims. Submit promotional materials and payment proofs.

IV. Step-by-Step: Building a Strong Report

Stop transacting immediately. Don’t try to “win it back.”
Preserve evidence (integrity is key):
- Full-page screenshots of the site/app (include URL bar, date/time).
- Screen recordings showing log-in, wallet balance, bets placed, and error messages.
- Receipts: bank/e-wallet transaction confirmations, reference numbers, SMS/email alerts.
- Communications: chats with handlers/agents, emails, SMS, private groups where you were recruited.
- Technical breadcrumbs: exact URLs, sub-domains, referral codes, payment account names/numbers, and delivery channels (e.g., GCash/Maya bank transfer, OTC).
- Keep original files; avoid altering metadata. If printing, note that the digital originals are what investigators will want.
Draft your Complaint-Affidavit:
- Parties involved (operator name/brand, handlers/recruiters, payment recipients).
- Timeline of events (discovery, registration, deposits, bets, withdrawal attempts, blocks).
- Elements of illegality (no PAGCOR authority, PH targeting, misrepresentations, refusal to pay, threats).
- Attachments list (label A, B, C…) with short descriptions.
- Prayer/relief sought (investigation, site blocking, prosecution, refunds/restoration if feasible).
- Sign before an officer authorized to administer oaths (e.g., prosecutor, notary) per filing venue.
File with multiple channels in parallel:
- PAGCOR for regulatory action and market warnings.
- NBI-CCD/PNP-ACG for criminal investigation.
- Bank/e-wallet dispute desk (request freeze/recall where possible; ask them to file STR).
- CICC/DOJ-OOC to accelerate coordination.
- NTC/DICT through proper channels for blocking (typically via PAGCOR/LE coordination).
- NPC/SEC/DTI if your facts fit those jurisdictions.
Protect your accounts and identity:
- Reset passwords; enable MFA on email, wallets, banking, and devices.
- Scan for malware if you installed unknown APKs; uninstall suspect apps and revoke permissions.
- Watch for impersonation or extortion attempts; keep all messages.

V. Special Situations

Minors involved: Immediate report to law enforcement; platforms that allow minors face aggravated liability. Parents/guardians should also notify schools and counseling resources.
Workplace devices/networks: Inform your IT/security team; illegal gambling traffic can expose the firm to malware and compliance risk.
Agent/handler networks: Provide GCash/Maya names, phone numbers, and social accounts used to solicit you. These often lead to local cash-in/cash-out nodes.
Cryptocurrency rails: Keep TXIDs, wallet addresses, exchange receipts, and KYC screenshots. Exchanges may freeze funds upon lawful request.
Chargebacks and small claims: If you paid by card or certain channels, ask your issuer about chargebacks within their time limits. For modest amounts, consider small claims before the proper court; attach your evidence bundle.

VI. Elements Investigators Commonly Look For

Targeting of PH users: Filipino language, PH promos, PH payment options, PH-specific social ads.
Absence of valid license: No verifiable PAGCOR authorization; use of fake/seized license seals.
Payment patterns: Rapid in/out flows, mule accounts, split transactions, crypto off-ramps.
Technical artifacts: Reused web infrastructure across multiple scam brands; mirrored content; domain hopping; APK sideloading.
Consumer harm: Non-payment of “winnings,” sudden account locks, extortion (threats to post data), unauthorized charges.

VII. Potential Liabilities and Remedies

Operators/Financiers/Agents: Criminal liability under PD 1602 (and related laws), cybercrime violations when online, AML exposure for laundering proceeds, and administrative sanctions.
Participants/Players: The law may penalize persons who take part in illegal gambling. While authorities often prioritize operators and agents, players can face risks—including arrest during enforcement actions.
Assets/Proceeds: Subject to freezing/forfeiture under AMLA with judicial authorization.
Victim Restitution: Possible through criminal proceedings, civil actions (e.g., sum of money, damages), or chargeback/dispute mechanisms; outcomes depend on recoverability and timeliness.

VIII. Practical Templates

A) Basic Incident List (to copy/paste into your report)

Your full name, contact details, and government ID (last 4 digits only in emailed copies).
Platform/brand name(s) used:
Website/app links (exact URLs, app store pages):
Date/time registered and IP/location (if known):
Deposits: amounts, dates, channels, reference numbers:
Bets placed / games used:
Withdrawal attempts and errors:
Names/handles of agents or “customer support”:
Screenshots/recordings file names (A-1, A-2…):
Any threats, harassment, or data misuse:
Other victims/witnesses (if any):

B) One-paragraph “Blocking Justification”

The cited website/application accepts wagers from persons located in the Philippines without any verifiable PAGCOR authorization. It targets Filipino users via local payment channels and PH-specific marketing. Users report non-payment of winnings and account lockouts. We request immediate coordination for site/app blocking, preservation of logs, asset tracing, and prosecution of involved operators, agents, and payment intermediaries.

IX. Frequently Asked Questions

Is playing on an unlicensed site a crime? Taking part in illegal gambling can be penalized; enforcement focus may be on operators, but players are not immune from liability.

A site says it’s “licensed abroad”—is that enough? No. A foreign or offshore license does not authorize taking bets from players in the Philippines. Local authorization is required for domestic play.

Can I get my money back? Recovery is uncertain but act fast: report to your bank/e-wallet for dispute handling, provide complete evidence, and pursue complaints with PAGCOR and law enforcement to improve chances of tracing/freeze.

Will authorities block the site? Authorities can direct ISPs/app stores to take down or block unlawful gambling portals after proper coordination and verification.

X. Quick Action Checklist

Stop all transactions; change passwords and enable MFA.
Collect and securely store evidence (original digital files).
File reports with PAGCOR, NBI-CCD/PNP-ACG, and CICC/DOJ-OOC.
Notify your bank/e-wallet and request dispute handling/freeze; keep ticket numbers.
Consider reporting to AMLC, NPC, NTC/DICT, and SEC/DTI as applicable.
If losses are significant, explore civil/chargeback options promptly.

Final Note

Consistent, well-documented reports make enforcement faster: name the platform (e.g., “Casino Plus”), show how it targets Philippine users, prove it takes local bets without PAGCOR authorization, and supply clear payment trails. Doing all of the above—simultaneously—gives regulators, law enforcement, and financial monitors the best shot at shutting the operation down and recovering funds where possible.