The landscape of online gaming in the Philippines has undergone a significant transformation. As of 2026, following the total ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs) mandated by Executive Order No. 74, the regulatory environment is stricter than ever. Domestic online gambling remains legal only through highly regulated, PAGCOR-licensed platforms catering exclusively to the local market.

Any platform operating without a valid license, or any entity posing as a gambling site to perpetrate fraud, is subject to severe criminal penalties under both traditional and cyber-oriented laws.

I. The Legal Framework

To report effectively, one must understand the statutes governing these offenses.

Statute	Primary Focus	Key Penalties
P.D. 1602 (as amended by R.A. 9287)	Illegal gambling and "numbers games."	Imprisonment and heavy fines for bettors, staff, and operators.
R.A. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act)	Crimes committed through ICT.	Penalties are one degree higher than the Revised Penal Code equivalents.
Executive Order No. 74 (2024)	Total ban on offshore gaming (POGOs).	Immediate cessation of all offshore-facing online gaming services.
Article 315, Revised Penal Code	Estafa (Swindling/Fraud).	Penalizes deceitful practices that result in financial loss.

II. Identifying Illegal Operations and Scams

Before filing a report, verify if the entity is indeed illegal. Common red flags in 2026 include:

Absence of PAGCOR Seal: Legitimate domestic sites (e.g., licensed e-Bingo or e-Casino) must display a verifiable PAGCOR license and logo.
Targeting Foreign Nationals: Since the POGO ban, any site operating within the PH but targeting foreign players is likely an underground operation.
Unrealistic "Bonuses": Scams often promise 500% deposit matches or guaranteed "hacks" to lure victims into depositing.
Peer-to-Peer "Load" Only: Sites that only accept deposits via personal Gcash/Maya accounts rather than integrated, secure payment gateways are high-risk for "exit scams."

III. Evidence Gathering: The Preservation Checklist

Authorities require a "chain of evidence" to build a case. Do not delete conversations or transaction records.

Digital Identifiers: Full URLs (including mirror sites/alternate domains) and IP addresses if available.
Visual Proof: Full-page screenshots showing the gambling interface, the "About" page, and any false claims of licensing.
Financial Trail: Screenshots of SMS confirmations from e-wallets, bank transfer receipts, and the names/numbers of the receiving "collectors."
Communication Logs: Exported chat history from Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber, or Messenger. Look for "recruiters" or "agents."
Technical Metadata: For apps, take note of the package name and where the APK or download link originated.

IV. Where and How to Report

Reports should be filed with specific agencies depending on the nature of the crime.

1. Philippine National Police – Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG)

When to report: If you are a victim of a scam, identity theft, or financial fraud.
Method: Visit the e-Complaint portal at the PNP-ACG website or go to a local cybercrime desk.
Hotline: 16677 or (02) 8723-0401.

2. National Bureau of Investigation – Cybercrime Division (NBI-CCD)

When to report: For complex cases involving organized crime syndicates or cross-border fraud.
Method: File a complaint via the NBI website or visit the NBI Headquarters in Quezon City.
Email: ccd@nbi.gov.ph.

3. PAGCOR Compliance Monitoring & Enforcement

When to report: To report unlicensed gambling platforms or sites misusing government branding.
Method: Use the PAGCOR Integrity Portal or email the Regulatory Department.
Email: info@pagcor.ph / integrity@pagcor.ph.

4. Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC)

When to report: For immediate assistance regarding active scams or to report social media influencers promoting illegal sites.
Hotline: 1326 (Scam Watch Pilipinas).

V. The Reporting Process: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Immediate Financial Shielding. Contact your bank or e-wallet provider (Gcash/Maya) to flag the recipient account. Request a ticket number for the "Fraud Investigation."
Step 2: Documentation. Draft a simple Affidavit of Complaint. This is a sworn narrative of how you encountered the site, how much was lost, and who the identifiers are.
Step 3: Multi-Agency Filing. It is often beneficial to report to PAGCOR (for site takedown) and the PNP-ACG (for criminal investigation) simultaneously.
Step 4: NTC/DICT Coordination. For persistent websites, the PNP or PAGCOR will coordinate with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to implement an ISP-level block.

VI. Legal Protections and Risks

Anonymity: You may submit "tips" anonymously to the NBI or CICC. However, if you seek to file a criminal case (Estafa or violation of RA 10175) to recover funds, you must be a named complainant.
Perjury Warning: Under Article 183 of the Revised Penal Code, filing a false report or malicious prosecution can lead to criminal charges against the reporter.
Immunity: Under the Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Act (RA 6981), individuals with material knowledge of organized gambling syndicates may apply for protection and immunity from prosecution.