Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian has told reporters that the city council has passed three local ordinances prohibiting all forms of gambling in the city, including Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).
In addition to new POGO licenses operating in Valenzuela, Mayor Gatchalian said he ordered the suspension of new applications for the Small-Town Lottery, online cockfighting, online bingo, and online poker. Penalties for violating the new ordinances could include fines ranging from P100,000 to P500,000.
POGO operations started in 2016 when the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) began issuing licenses for operators to work legally from inside the country. Since 2016, the online gambling industry has contributed significantly to the economy but has drawn criticism from local business owners, politicians, and other government leaders.
Are Online Casinos Legal In The Philippines?
Yes, Philippine residents can legally access online casinos from outside the country without fear of prosecution. Legal online casinos offer the same games you will find in the big Manila casino resorts at a fraction of the price and at your own leisure.
One of our favorite features of online casino gambling is the various payment methods that some online casinos offer, including Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, Tether, and player vouchers. In addition to various payment methods, you can also find sign-up bonuses, reload bonuses, and miscellaneous casino promotions.
What Popular Casino Games Can Be Played Online?
The most trusted PH online casinos offer popular games such as slots, blackjack, poker, roulette, Baccarat, and Super6. In addition to hosting the games mentioned above, online casinos offer several variations of those games. You can even bet on live dealer casino games at participating sites.
Live dealer casinos offer online players the feel of a brick-and-mortar casino over a live video/audio feed accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Players can choose their dealer, buy in, and seat at the table when selecting a live dealer.
Does The Valenzuela Gambling Ban Outlaw Online Gambling?
Valenzuela residents can still access online casinos from outside the country according to the new ordinances but should be careful only to play licensed and regulated online casino sites.
To learn more about the best online casino for Philippine players, see our guide to online casino reviews, where we break down the pros and cons of each site we recommend.