A representative from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has requested a bill to be drafted by the Senate that would lower the tax rate on casino winnings.
Arnold Salvosa, PAGCOR’s corporate services department assistant vice president, told the state Senate that Singapore and Macau don’t impose taxes on casino winnings. Salvosa also stated, “They treat casino winnings as a windfall, not as income.”
Singapore and Macau are competitors to the domestic gambling regions in the Philippines, including Manila, Luzon, and the Cagayan Valley. Currently, PAGCOR imposes a tax rate of 20% on casino winnings, but critics claim that tax shouldn’t exist to boost competitiveness for land-based and PAGCOR-licensed casinos.
The Philippine National Tax Research Center, a partner to the Department of Finance, posted a research document that says the Philippines imposes a 20% tax for casino winnings exceeding PHP10,000. Any casino winnings under PHP10,000 are subject to regular income tax.
Do You Have To Pay Taxes For Online Casino Winnings In The Philippines?
In the Philippines, all domestic and online casino winnings are subject to regular income tax, and you need to claim your online casino winnings at the end of the year. With online casinos, it can be easier to hide, but tax fraud is a serious offense and could result in imprisonment or hefty fines.
Legal online casinos in the Philippines operate outside the country as the government restricts access to domestic-licensed online casinos. It is believed that PAGCOR only restricts local access to PH-based casinos because they also operate casinos in addition to regulation, which could be seen as corrupt.
While PAGCOR is regarded as a world-renowned casino and sportsbook operator, they are currently looking to sell their owned and operated casinos to focus solely on regulation.
Are Philippine Online Casinos Fair?
Yes, the casinos we review for Philippine players are the most trusted and entertaining real-money casino sites you will find online. With games like online blackjack, slots, roulette, baccarat, video poker, and more licensed by a trusted gaming regulator, you can enjoy hours of entertainment and win some money if you are lucky.
To cater to all players, online casino sites often accept digital currencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and other cryptocurrencies in addition to traditional banking methods. You will also find new and returning bonus options for casino and sports bettors that can double your deposit or more.
However, if you play online, remember we are here to assist you and your gaming experience. We test and wager daily to keep up with the new titles and offer our expertise to you. Have fun!