Policies & wellbeing

Responsible-gambling

AskSpinner · Last Updated:

Learn how to gamble responsibly, recognize problem gambling signs, set healthy limits, and access PAGCOR self-exclusion and support services.

Applicable to AskSpinner Philippines

AskSpinner believes that gambling should always be treated as entertainment, not as a way to make money, solve financial problems, or recover previous losses.

Gambling involves a real risk of losing money. No RTP, odds, historical win data, or past result can guarantee the outcome of your next game.

Our goal is not only to help players understand casinos and games, but also to help them understand the risks before gambling and recognize when it is time to stop.

AskSpinner is not an online casino or gambling operator. We do not accept wagers and do not encourage players to increase their bets to recover losses.

1. Gambling Is for People Aged 21 and Above

Gambling-related content on AskSpinner Philippines is intended only for persons aged 21 and above.

Under PAGCOR's Responsible Gaming rules, persons under 21 years of age are not allowed to gamble. Individuals included in the National Database of Restricted Persons (NDRP), as well as other persons prohibited under applicable rules, may also be restricted from gambling.

If you are under 21, you should not participate in gambling activities.

Free-play games, casino reviews, game reviews, and other gambling-related content provided by AskSpinner should not be interpreted as encouraging minors to participate in real-money gambling.

Official information:

PAGCOR Responsible Gaming
https://www.pagcor.ph/responsible-gaming.php

2. Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not a Way to Make Money

Before gambling, it is important to accept one basic fact:

You may lose money.

Casino games involve randomness and a mathematical house advantage. RTP, House Edge, winning probabilities, and other statistics can help you understand how a game works, but they cannot predict the outcome of an individual gambling session.

Even if a game has a relatively high RTP, this does not mean you will recover the same percentage of your money during a short playing session.

You should not:

  • Treat gambling as a source of income;

  • Gamble with money needed for essential living expenses;

  • Use rent, bills, tuition, or household money to gamble;

  • Borrow money or use funds you cannot afford to lose;

  • Increase your bets because you have already lost money; or

  • Assume that you are “due” to win after a losing streak.

Gambling outcomes are uncertain. No betting system, game strategy, or historical pattern can guarantee a profit.

3. How to Gamble Responsibly

If you choose to gamble, a few simple rules can help reduce the risk of gambling causing harm.

Set a Budget

Decide how much money you can afford to lose before you start.

This should be money that you can lose completely without affecting your daily living expenses, family responsibilities, or financial obligations.

Stop when you reach your limit.

Do not increase your budget simply because you have lost.

Set a Time Limit

It can be easy to lose track of time while gambling.

Before you start, decide how long you intend to play and stop when you reach that limit.

Do not continuously extend your session because you are losing or because you have just won.

Do Not Chase Losses

Chasing losses is one of the most common warning signs of problem gambling.

After losing money, it can be tempting to think:

“Just one more game and I can win it back.”

But previous losses do not increase your chances of winning the next game.

Continuing to gamble in an attempt to recover ₱1,000 can turn a ₱1,000 loss into a much larger one.

Do Not Borrow Money to Gamble

Do not use loans, credit, or money borrowed from friends or family to fund gambling.

If you need to borrow money in order to continue gambling, this is a strong sign that it may be time to stop.

Avoid Gambling When Emotionally Distressed

Your judgment may be affected when you are angry, anxious, depressed, lonely, or under the influence of alcohol or other substances.

Avoid gambling in these situations.

Maintain Other Parts of Your Life

Gambling should not replace:

Family, friends, work, education, exercise, sleep, or other normal activities.

If gambling begins to take up an increasing amount of your time and attention, this may be an important warning sign.

4. Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling does not necessarily mean gambling every day.

The more important question is whether gambling has started to affect your ability to control your behavior, your finances, or your normal life.

Warning signs may include:

  • Spending more money than you originally planned;

  • Gambling for longer than intended;

  • Finding it difficult to stop after losing;

  • Repeatedly trying to recover previous losses;

  • Needing to gamble larger amounts to experience the same excitement;

  • Hiding how much time or money you spend gambling;

  • Experiencing debt or difficulty paying normal bills because of gambling;

  • Borrowing money or selling possessions to continue gambling;

  • Allowing gambling to negatively affect work, family, or relationships; or

  • Trying to stop gambling but finding yourself unable to do so.

If several of these situations apply to you, consider taking action before the problem becomes more serious.

PAGCOR provides additional information about responsible gaming and problem gambling:

PAGCOR Responsible Gaming
https://www.pagcor.ph/responsible-gaming.php

5. What to Do If Gambling Is Becoming Difficult to Control

If gambling is becoming difficult to control, the answer is usually not to find a “better game” or change your betting strategy.

It may be time to stop gambling.

You can consider:

  • Taking a complete break from gambling;

  • Removing or logging out of gambling apps;

  • Closing gambling accounts;

  • Using deposit, betting, or time limits provided by gambling operators;

  • Applying for Self-Exclusion;

  • Telling a trusted family member or friend;

  • Reducing your immediate access to money that could be used for gambling; or

  • Seeking professional problem gambling support.

If you have repeatedly tried to stop but have been unable to do so, consider using a formal exclusion program.

6. PAGCOR Self-Exclusion

PAGCOR provides a Self-Exclusion program that allows players who believe gambling is becoming a problem to voluntarily restrict themselves from gambling.

PAGCOR currently provides Self-Exclusion periods of:

  • 6 months;

  • 1 year; or

  • 5 years.

The first six months of Self-Exclusion are irrevocable.

Under PAGCOR's exclusion framework, excluded individuals may be included in the National Database of Restricted Persons (NDRP), with exclusion applied across relevant PAGCOR-operated and regulated gaming establishments in accordance with PAGCOR rules.

If you have repeatedly tried to stop gambling but find yourself unable to do so, Self-Exclusion may be an important protective measure.

PAGCOR Player Exclusion Program
https://www.pagcor.ph/regulatory/exclusion.php

The official PAGCOR page provides current requirements, application procedures, and relevant forms.

7. PAGCOR Family Exclusion

Problem gambling can affect not only the player but also their family.

PAGCOR also provides a Family Exclusion mechanism.

Under PAGCOR's current rules, qualifying immediate family members who may apply for Family Exclusion include:

  • Spouse;

  • Children who are at least 18 years old; and

  • Parents.

Applications are subject to PAGCOR's requirements and procedures, including supporting documentation.

If a family member's gambling behavior is seriously affecting household finances, relationships, or daily life, you can review PAGCOR's official Family Exclusion information and application requirements.

PAGCOR Player Exclusion Program
https://www.pagcor.ph/regulatory/exclusion.php

8. Where to Get Help

If gambling is becoming difficult to control for you or someone in your family, you do not need to wait until the situation results in serious financial problems before seeking help.

PAGCOR provides responsible gaming resources and information about available support.

National Problem Gambling Helpline
(02) 8248-9568

PAGCOR Responsible Gaming Email
ResponsibleGaming@pagcor.ph

PAGCOR Responsible Gaming
https://www.pagcor.ph/responsible-gaming.php

PAGCOR Player Exclusion Program
https://www.pagcor.ph/regulatory/exclusion.php

For the latest helpline information and other official contact channels, please refer directly to PAGCOR:

PAGCOR Contact Information
https://www.pagcor.ph/contact-us.php

If you believe gambling is causing harm, consider speaking with a trained counselor, mental health professional, or another qualified support provider.

9. What AskSpinner Can Do

AskSpinner aims to help players make better-informed decisions before gambling rather than encourage them to gamble more.

We therefore aim to:

  • Clearly explain RTP, House Edge, and game probabilities;

  • Remind players that gambling involves the risk of financial loss;

  • Clearly distinguish free-play games from real-money gambling;

  • Provide information about casino and game-related risks;

  • Publish responsible gambling educational content; and

  • Direct users showing signs of problem gambling toward appropriate professional and regulatory support.

AskSpinner's information is not a substitute for professional problem gambling counseling, medical advice, or formal assistance provided by regulators.

If you are no longer able to control your gambling, we encourage you to stop gambling and seek help rather than continue searching for new casinos, games, bonuses, or betting strategies.

10. A Final Reminder

Gambling should be entertainment that you are able to stop at any time.

If you are:

Gambling with money you cannot afford to lose,

Chasing your losses,

Hiding your gambling from others,

Or finding that you want to stop but cannot,

then gambling may no longer be entertainment.

Stopping, asking for help, or applying for Self-Exclusion is a practical way to protect yourself and the people around you.

AskSpinner wants every player to:

Understand the game. Understand the risk. Know when to stop.

21+ | Responsible Gambling

Gambling can be addictive. Know when to stop.