The Philippines is a country with a rich history of gambling and betting, dating back to the 16th century. However, in recent years, the government has cracked down on illegal gambling activities, making it more difficult for people to engage in these activities.

If you're interested in betting on sports in the Philippines and placing bets on, e.g., the NFL with the hottest NFL odds, it's important to be aware of the laws around this activity. While there are some legal ways to bet on sports, there are also many illegal ways to do so.

Let's check all of them out!

How sports betting is regulated in the Philippines

The Philippines is one of the few countries in Asia that has legalized sports betting. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is a government-owned and -controlled corporation that regulates all forms of gambling in the country, including sports betting.

Sports betting in the Philippines is available through PAGCOR-licensed Sports Toto outlets, as well as through licensed online sportsbooks. Betting on horse racing is also available at PAGCOR-licensed off-track betting (OTB) locations.

The legal age for sports betting in the Philippines is 18 years old.

Are online sports betting sites legal in the Philippines?

While online sports betting is not explicitly illegal in the Philippines, there are no laws that specifically regulate or legalize it. This means that the legality of online sports betting in the country is somewhat of a grey area. That being said, there are many online sports betting sites that operate in the Philippines without any problems. So, while it may not be entirely legal, it seems to be tolerated by the authorities.

Here's a quick overview of the laws around sports betting in the Philippines:

- Sports betting is only legal if it's done through a licensed bookmaker.
- Bookmakers must be registered with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
- Bets can only be placed on approved events.
- Only certain types of bets are allowed. For example, parlay bets (bets that involve combining multiple bets into one) are not allowed.
- There is a limit on how much you can bet per event.

What types of bets are allowed under Philippine law?

There are three types of bets that are allowed under Philippine law: pari-mutuel betting, off-track betting, and on-track betting. Now, let's explore all of them so you can know exactly what to expect for whichever bet you decide to place.

Pari-mutuel betting is a type of wagering where the prize money is determined by the total amount of money wagered by all bettors. Off-track betting is a type of wagering that takes place away from the race track. On-track betting is a type of wagering that takes place at the race track.

What types of bets are commonly placed on sporting events in the Philippines?