Gambling Help FAQ: Your Questions, Answered
If you are wondering how to get help with gambling, for yourself or someone you love, you are in the right place. Here are clear, honest answers to the questions people ask us most, from free helplines and confidentiality to whether gambling addiction is treatable.
Getting help
Reaching out is one of the hardest steps, and it is a real sign of strength. Help in the Philippines is available right now, day or night. You can call the PAGCOR National Problem Gambling Helpline on (02) 8248-9568, it runs 24/7 and is staffed by trained para-counsellors and mental-health professionals. For mental-health distress, the NCMH Crisis Hotline answers on 1553 (Luzon-wide landline, toll-free) or 0917-899-8727. You do not need a diagnosis, a referral, or the 'right words' to call.
If you are not sure how serious things are, that is completely normal. Many people start with our short, private self-assessment to get their bearings, then talk to a free helpline when they feel ready.
Confidentiality and cost
Worry about money, judgement, or being 'found out' stops a lot of people from asking for help. It should not. The helplines listed here are free to access and confidential, and you can stay anonymous if you prefer. You are allowed to simply ask questions, you are not committing to anything by picking up the phone.
This website is free to use too. We do not run any games, take any bets, or earn anything when you reach out for support. Our only job is to point you toward trustworthy, free help.
Self-exclusion and taking a break
Sometimes the most practical first step is to put a barrier between you and gambling. PAGCOR runs a voluntary Self-Exclusion (Banning) Program that lets you ask to be banned from licensed casinos for 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. Your name is added to the National Database of Restricted Persons (NDRP), which every licensed operator must check before letting someone play.
Self-exclusion is your choice and a sign of self-respect, not failure. The ban lifts automatically when the period you chose ends, there is no extra paperwork to 'come back', so you can take the break you need without pressure.
About this site
GamblingHelp Asia is a free, independent, public-interest resource. We are not a casino, not a gambling operator, and not a government agency. We do not advertise or recommend any gambling brand. We exist to explain your options in plain language and connect you to trusted help such as PAGCOR's helpline, the NCMH, Gamblers Anonymous and Gambling Therapy. You can read more on our about page.
Frequently asked questions
Is getting gambling help really free?
Yes. The PAGCOR National Problem Gambling Helpline on (02) 8248-9568 and the NCMH Crisis Hotline on 1553 are free to access. Peer-support groups like Gamblers Anonymous and online services like Gambling Therapy are also free. This website costs nothing to use, and we never charge or take bets.
Is it confidential and can I stay anonymous?
Yes. The helplines are confidential, and you can stay anonymous if you wish, you do not have to give your full name to ask for support. You are allowed to call simply to ask questions, without committing to anything further.
What number do I call in the Philippines for gambling help?
Call the PAGCOR National Problem Gambling Helpline on (02) 8248-9568. It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is for both people who gamble and their families. For mental-health distress, you can also call the NCMH Crisis Hotline on 1553 (Luzon-wide landline, toll-free) or 0917-899-8727.
Can I get help for a family member's gambling?
Yes. The PAGCOR helpline on (02) 8248-9568 supports family members too, not only the person who gambles. Gambling harm affects whole households, and you deserve support. Our page for families has practical steps you can take to protect yourself and help your loved one.
What is self-exclusion and how does it work?
Self-exclusion is a voluntary ban you request through PAGCOR to keep yourself out of licensed casinos for 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. Your name goes on the National Database of Restricted Persons, which all licensed operators must check before allowing play. The ban lifts automatically once the period you chose has ended.
How does the self-assessment work, and is it private?
Our self-assessment is a short set of questions that helps you reflect on your gambling and whether it may be causing harm. It is private and for your own awareness, it is not a medical diagnosis. Use the result as a starting point, then call a helpline if anything worries you.
Does the call cost anything?
The PAGCOR helpline and NCMH hotline are intended to be free and confidential to access. Standard network charges may sometimes apply from mobile providers, so where possible use the toll-free NCMH landline 1553. Do not let cost stop you, reach out and ask.
What counts as problem gambling?
Problem gambling is gambling that causes harm to your money, relationships, work, or wellbeing, and that feels hard to control. Signs include chasing losses, hiding how much you bet, borrowing to gamble, or feeling restless when you try to stop. Remember that gambling is entertainment with a built-in house edge, never a way to make money.
Is gambling addiction treatable?
Yes. Gambling addiction is a recognised behavioural-health condition, not a lack of willpower, and it responds to proven support such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), peer fellowships and free helplines. Many people stop gambling and rebuild their lives. Our guide on how to overcome gambling addiction walks through the steps and treatment options.
Is there rehab for gambling addiction in the Philippines?
Most people are helped as outpatients while living at home, often through CBT and peer support, which works well for the majority. Residential or inpatient care, sometimes called rehab, may be considered in more severe cases. A good starting point is the free PAGCOR gambling hotline on (02) 8248-9568, and you can read more in our guide on how to overcome gambling addiction.
Can I get help if I am under 21?
Yes. The legal age for casino gambling in the Philippines is 21, but help is for everyone of any age. If you are under 21 and worried about your own or someone else's gambling, you can still call NCMH on 1553 or speak to a trusted adult, counsellor, or the PAGCOR helpline.
What should I do in a crisis?
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, or having thoughts of suicide, call 911 in the Philippines straight away. You can also reach the NCMH Crisis Hotline on 1553 or 0917-899-8727, which provides 24/7 mental-health crisis support, including gambling-related distress.
Is this website run by the government or a casino?
No. GamblingHelp Asia is a free, independent, public-interest resource. We are not a government body and not a gambling operator. We do not run games, take bets, or promote any brand, we simply explain your options and signpost you to trusted help.
What other free support is available?
Beyond the Philippine helplines, Gamblers Anonymous Philippines offers a free peer-support fellowship, and Gambling Therapy (by Gordon Moody) provides free, multilingual online support and live chat for people across the world. Our help across Asia page lists more options by country.
Will reaching out get me into trouble?
No. Asking for help is confidential and is not a legal or financial penalty. The helplines are there to listen, guide and refer you, not to judge or report you. Taking this step is a sign of strength, and you deserve support.