How to Report Illegal Online Gambling Apps to Philippine Authorities

This is general legal information for the Philippines. It’s not a substitute for advice from your own lawyer.

Quick TL;DR

If the app isn’t licensed by PAGCOR, it’s illegal to offer online gambling to people in the Philippines.
Report it to: NBI Cybercrime Division or PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (for criminal investigation), PAGCOR (for unlicensed operations), NTC (for website/app blocking), your bank/e-wallet (to freeze cashouts), and app stores (to remove the app).
Preserve evidence: screenshots, receipts, URLs, app details, chat logs, bank/wallet trails.
Stay safe: don’t pay more “to unlock withdrawals,” don’t confront operators, and don’t post public accusations (risk of libel).

What Counts as “Illegal Online Gambling” in PH

Gambling is illegal if it’s not authorized by law or by a PAGCOR license. “Online” includes mobile apps, web apps, social-media bots, and similar digital platforms.

Key legal anchors (no need to memorize sections):

PAGCOR Charter (as amended): PAGCOR regulates and licenses lawful gambling. If it’s not PAGCOR-licensed (or otherwise authorized by law), it’s illegal to offer gambling to persons in the Philippines.
Presidential Decree No. 1602 (increased penalties for illegal gambling) and Republic Act No. 9287 (harsher penalties for illegal numbers games).
Republic Act No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012) applies when the offense is committed via information and communications technologies.
Republic Act No. 9160 (AMLA), as amended including RA 10927 (casinos as covered persons): suspicious flows tied to illegal gambling can trigger anti-money laundering actions.

Bottom line: If the operator cannot show current PAGCOR authorization to serve PH users, it’s illegal, even if it claims a foreign license.

Common Red Flags

“Guaranteed wins,” “unlock withdrawal after tax/verification fee,” or required advance fees.
Crypto-only deposits with no verifiable PH license.
App directs deposits to personal bank/e-wallet accounts (not a licensed cashier).
App suddenly disappears or switches to a new domain after complaints.
Aggressive referrals (“invite 10 friends to withdraw”).
Underage targeting or ads in school-adjacent groups.

Who to Report To (and When)

Situation	Primary Agency (and why)	Also Notify
You found an unlicensed gambling app targeting PH users	PAGCOR (regulator)	NBI Cybercrime/PNP-ACG (criminal case build), NTC (blocking)
You lost money or were scammed (e.g., “pay tax to withdraw”)	NBI Cybercrime or PNP-ACG (estafa/illegal gambling via ICT)	Your bank/e-wallet (freeze/reversal if possible); PAGCOR (unlicensed)
The app is accessible via PH ISPs and new mirror links keep popping up	NTC (orders blocking of domains/URLs/apps)	NBI/PNP-ACG (criminal), PAGCOR (regulatory)
The operator mishandled your personal data	National Privacy Commission (Data Privacy Act)	NBI/PNP-ACG if there’s fraud/identity theft
Large/unusual flows tied to the app	AMLC via your bank/e-wallet (they file STRs)	NBI/PNP-ACG if there’s a criminal complaint
Minors are being targeted/allowed to play	NBI/PNP-ACG (urgent)	DSWD/LGU child protection desks; PAGCOR

Use each agency’s official complaint portal/hotline or in-person desk. Keep your complaint number/reference.

Step-by-Step: How to Report

1) Stop Engaging and Secure Your Accounts

Do not send “tax,” “processing,” or “unlock” fees.
Change passwords, enable 2FA, and remove any app permissions you granted.
If you used a SIM/e-wallet, review activity and set alerts.

2) Gather and Preserve Evidence (“Evidence Pack”)

Create a folder and save unaltered copies of:

App & developer details:
- App name, icon, package name/bundle ID, developer/publisher, version, store listing URL or sideload source, installation date.
Platform identifiers: website URLs, domain history if known, social pages, Telegram/FB/WhatsApp handles, email addresses, phone numbers.
Gameplay & transactions:
- Screenshots/screen recordings of deposits, winnings, balances, failed withdrawals, and error messages (ensure date/time visible).
- E-wallet/bank receipts, transaction IDs, recipient names/numbers, and narratives shown on transfers.
- Wallet addresses (if crypto), TX hashes.
Communications: in-app chats, texts, emails, ads, referral messages, and usernames/IDs of agents/moderators.
Device & timeline: phone model/OS, IP (if known), your geo/time settings (keep automatic time on), and a brief chronology of events.
Witnesses: names/contact of anyone else affected (with their consent).

Tips

Prefer original files (not cropped or marked-up).
Export chats where possible; keep file metadata intact.
Don’t hack or access accounts that aren’t yours.
Don’t secretly record calls—the Anti-Wiretapping Law restricts recording private conversations without consent.

3) File the Reports (parallel is fine)

Criminal complaint (NBI Cybercrime / PNP-ACG).
- Bring a government ID and your Evidence Pack.
- You’ll likely execute a complaint-affidavit detailing facts, attach exhibits, and sign under oath.
- Investigators may request device imaging; ask for a receipt/chain-of-custody.
Regulatory report (PAGCOR).
- State that the app offers gambling to PH users and appears unlicensed.
- Include app listing, URLs, payment routes, and screenshots.
- If the operator claims a license, ask PAGCOR to verify.
Blocking request (NTC).
- Submit a concise memo identifying domains, subdomains, URLs, IPs, app package IDs, and mirrors.
- Provide evidence the content is online gambling targeted at PH users.
Financial traces (Bank/E-wallet).
- File a fraud/abuse report with transaction IDs; request holds or chargeback/dispute where policy allows (outcomes vary).
- Ask that an AMLC STR be considered if red flags are met.
Data privacy complaint (NPC) if your personal data was mishandled (e.g., doxxing, unlawful disclosure, unauthorized processing).
App store takedown.
- Use the in-store “Report” or “Report a Problem” function.
- Provide a short legal basis: “Unlicensed online gambling for PH users; potential fraud.”

Keep receipts, case numbers, and acknowledgments from each channel.

4) If You Lost Money: Parallel Remedies to Consider

Criminal angle: illegal gambling, estafa (swindling), and cybercrime modes may apply—coordinate with investigators.
Bank/e-wallet disputes: outcomes depend on the nature of the transaction and provider policies; unauthorized or deceptive transactions fare better than voluntary gambling losses.
Civil suits for fraud may be viable in some scenarios, but gambling losses themselves are generally not enforceable as a civil debt; discuss specifics with counsel.

What Happens After You Report

Triage & preservation. Investigators may issue data preservation or takedown/blocking requests while building the case.
Forensics. You could be asked to provide devices for imaging; ask about scope and return timelines.
Prosecutor review. NBI/PNP usually forward the case to the Office of the City/Provincial Prosecutor for inquest or preliminary investigation.
Follow-ups. Expect requests for clarification, supplemental affidavits, or testimony.
Outcomes. Apps may be blocked, pages removed, accounts frozen, and operators charged. Cross-border cases take longer.

Staying Safe and Within the Law

Do not threaten, dox, or “sting” the operator yourself.
Avoid public accusations (risk of cyber-libel). Let authorities act.
Protect minors: enable parental controls and report underage exposure immediately.
For workplaces/schools: route through your IT/security and HR/administration policies; they can implement network-level blocks and preserve logs properly.

Handy Decision Tree (Condensed)

Is it a gambling app? (Stake + chance + prize) → Yes
PAGCOR-licensed for PH users? If no/unclear → treat as illegal.
Any loss or fraud?
- Yes → Report to NBI/PNP-ACG, bank/e-wallet, plus PAGCOR & NTC.
- No loss yet → Still report to PAGCOR & NTC to prevent harm; NBI/PNP-ACG for intel.
Data misuse? → Add NPC complaint.

Templates You Can Reuse

A) Incident Log (fill this out)

Your name & ID:
Contact details:
Device & OS:
App name / package ID / developer:
How you found it (ad/referral/link):
Dates & times (install, deposit, withdrawal attempts):
Deposits/withdrawals (amounts, transaction IDs, recipients):
URLs/domains/social handles/phone numbers:
Description of deceit or illegal features:
Screenshots/recordings list (file names):
Witnesses/others affected:

B) Complaint Narrative (use across agencies; keep to 1–2 pages)

I am reporting an online gambling application offering games of chance for money to persons in the Philippines without authorization from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). On [date], I installed [App Name, package/bundle ID] developed by [Developer]. The app directed me to deposit via [bank/e-wallet/crypto] to [account name/number/address]. I deposited [amounts and dates], obtained balances, and attempted withdrawals on [dates], which were denied unless I paid additional “tax/processing” fees. The app remains accessible via [URLs/domains] and [social handles], targeting users in the Philippines. I attach [list of exhibits] (screenshots, receipts, chats) showing the scheme. I respectfully request investigation for illegal gambling (and estafa/cybercrime, if applicable), regulatory action, and blocking of access. Please advise if further information or device imaging is required.

C) Evidence Exhibit Labels

Exhibit A – App store page (name, developer, version, package ID)
Exhibit B – In-app lobby and wallet/deposit screens (date/time visible)
Exhibit C – Transaction receipts with IDs and recipients
Exhibit D – Withdrawal attempts and “pay to unlock” prompts
Exhibit E – URLs/domains/mirrors and social channels
Exhibit F – Chat logs with agents/moderators

FAQs

Is a foreign-licensed gambling app okay if it accepts PH players? No. Serving persons in the Philippines requires local authorization. Foreign licensing alone doesn’t legalize PH operations.

Are crypto casinos legal? Only if properly authorized for PH players (generally via PAGCOR). Most are not.

Can I stay anonymous? Some portals accept anonymous tips, but for a criminal case you’ll usually need to identify yourself and execute a complaint-affidavit.

Will I get in trouble for having used the app? Authorities typically focus on operators/promoters. If you fear exposure, discuss privilege against self-incrimination and strategy with counsel before filing.

Can I recover my money? Sometimes via bank/e-wallet disputes or if funds are frozen early. Pure gambling losses are generally not recoverable as a civil debt; clear fraud/estafa has better prospects.

Practical Checklist (print this)

Stop using the app; enable 2FA and change passwords.
Build the Evidence Pack (original, unedited files).
File NBI/PNP-ACG criminal complaint (get case number).
Notify PAGCOR (licensing breach) and NTC (blocking).
File disputes with bank/e-wallet; ask about freezes/STR.
Report to app store for takedown.
If personal data was mishandled: NPC complaint.
Keep a timeline and all agency acknowledgments.
Consider legal counsel if you suffered losses.

If you want, tell me what you’ve already collected (screenshots, receipts, names, numbers), and I’ll help you turn it into a tight, ready-to-file complaint packet.