What Self-Exclusion Means
Self-exclusion is a responsible gaming measure for people who want a stronger barrier between themselves and gambling.
Rather than relying only on personal time or spending limits, a self-exclusion request is intended to restrict the person from participating at covered gaming venues or sites for an established period.
In the Philippines, PAGCOR provides a formal player exclusion program for people who believe they may be developing a problem with gambling.
Self-exclusion should not be viewed as a punishment. It is a protective measure that may be appropriate when taking breaks, setting personal limits or trying to reduce gambling independently is no longer enough.
Where to Find Official Self-Exclusion Information
Use PAGCOR's official Responsible Gaming resources when checking the current self-exclusion procedure in the Philippines.
PAGCOR publishes Responsible Gaming information, player-exclusion procedures and access to its Self-Exclusion Application Portal through its official website.
Because application procedures, forms and requirements can change, verify the current instructions directly with PAGCOR before submitting personal documents.
Avoid sending identification documents or sensitive personal information through an unofficial website, social-media account or contact method that you cannot verify.
Current PAGCOR Self-Exclusion Periods
According to current PAGCOR Responsible Gaming information, a person applying for self-exclusion may request a period of:
6 months
1 year
5 years
PAGCOR states that the first six months of a self-exclusion period are irrevocable. After completion of the applicable exclusion period, the self-exclusion order is lifted automatically under the current published procedure.
These rules can be updated. Check the current PAGCOR Responsible Gaming and Player Exclusion information before making decisions based on a particular exclusion period.
What to Prepare Before Applying
Before starting an application, review the current requirements published by PAGCOR.
PAGCOR's current Responsible Gaming information directs self-exclusion applicants to complete the official self-exclusion application and provide identity information required by the application process.
Prepare documents only after confirming that you are using an official PAGCOR application route.
Read the requested exclusion period carefully before submitting the application, particularly because PAGCOR states that the first six months of self-exclusion are irrevocable.
Do not send identity documents to an unofficial intermediary offering to complete self-exclusion on your behalf.
Self-Exclusion Is Different From Setting a Personal Limit
A personal time or spending limit is a boundary that a person attempts to follow while continuing to have access to gambling.
Self-exclusion is a stronger intervention. It is intended for situations where restricting access itself may be more appropriate.
Consider stronger measures if you repeatedly exceed personal limits, chase losses, return to gambling sooner than intended, borrow money to continue, hide gambling activity or experience harm to finances, relationships or everyday responsibilities.
If personal limits repeatedly fail, simply increasing or resetting those limits may not address the problem.
Family Exclusion Is Also Available
PAGCOR also publishes a separate Family Exclusion process.
Under the current PAGCOR procedure, eligible immediate family members may request exclusion when they are concerned about a person's gambling.
Family Exclusion has different eligibility, documentation and exclusion-period requirements from Self-Exclusion.
Do not assume that the rules for Self-Exclusion also apply to a Family Exclusion request. Review the current PAGCOR instructions and forms for the specific type of exclusion being considered.
Where to Ask for Help
If you are considering self-exclusion because gambling is becoming difficult to control, you can contact PAGCOR for current Responsible Gaming and self-exclusion information.
PAGCOR Responsible Gaming / NPGH
Telephone: +632 8248-9568
Email: ResponsibleGaming@pagcor.ph
You can also use PAGCOR's official Responsible Gaming and Player Exclusion pages to review the current application procedure.
If gambling is affecting your finances, wellbeing, relationships or daily responsibilities, you do not need to wait for the situation to become more severe before seeking support.
Gambling can be addictive. Know when to stop.
Sources & references
Review: Reviewed for self-exclusion information, responsible gaming guidance, Philippine support resources and references to current official procedures.
