Playing Online Poker in the Philippines
It was during the early 2000s when poker first burst into the gambling scene. With the popularity of the internet, the card game found a new platform where it thrived and entertained players. In recent years, the introduction of social media platforms like YouTube and Twitch helped validate the standing of poker as one of the most popular casino games to play online. Today, this game is widely available and can be played in almost all countries like the Philippines. Thanks to its regulated casinos, poker players will find the country a great place to play poker.
Before you play, make sure you’re familiar with your options on where to play, existing laws, and recommendations on where to play.
Is it Legal to Play Poker?
In the Philippines, there exist several laws that prohibit card games and gambling in general. However, it’s possible to play these games of chance if you play at regulated and approved casinos. The main government agency that’s tasked to regulate and oversee the operations of online poker Philippines casinos is Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). Established in 1976, PAGCOR is the main agency that’s tasked to regulate and license casinos that offer games of chance like poker. Also, PAGCOR runs more than a dozen casinos where you can play poker. To stay safe, only play at a casino or gaming house that’s registered with the office or owned by PAGCOR.
Where to Play the Games?
Just like other countries, the Philippines hosts several variants of poker and its played in different ways. You can play cash games, live tournaments or you can join private rooms where the betting rules are more flexible.
If you’re based in the Philippines, your first stop is to check out the popular casino resorts and hotels. Some of the popular hotels you can check are Okada Manila, Solaire Resort and Casino, and the City of Dreams, all in Manila. In Okada Manila, for example, you get access to more than 500 tables and offers a variety of poker games to play. Some of the best poker variants to try out in this location are Pai Gow Poker, Three Card Poker, and the crowd-favorite Texas Hold’em Poker. All of these resorts and hotels are fully licensed and registered with PAGCOR. As mentioned, you can also check out the casinos run by the agency like Casino Filipino that hosts dozens of tables for poker games.
To fully participate in real money poker games, players must be at least 21 years of age. Also, government officials and employees are not allowed to play with real money. In recent years, PAGCOR has intensified its efforts to regulate access to games of chance. And one of the initiatives is to boost its ‘Know Your Customer’ policy as a way to prevent fraud, prevent government employees from playing and to protect the vulnerable players.
Another option available is to play online poker Philippines games online. However, this option is a bit tricky due to the governing laws and policies in the country. As a general policy, the law prohibits Filipinos from gambling with online casinos that are licensed in the Philippines. Your only option is to register and play with an offshore licensed online casino that accepts players from the Philippines. In looking for an online poker site, the same requirements in choosing a gambling platform should be considered. Before you play, always make it a point to check its license, certifications, and the quality of support extended to casino players.