Casino rules in the Philippines: what tourists need to know
Every casino in the Philippines, including KABAN on Boracay, is licensed by PAGCOR, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation. PAGCOR sets the entry rules that apply everywhere. Each casino then adds its own house rules.
You must be 21 or older
PAGCOR does not allow anyone under 21 to enter, stay or play in a licensed casino. Bring a government-issued photo ID to prove your age. For foreign visitors, that means your passport.
Who is not allowed in
According to PAGCOR, the following people may not enter, stay or play in a licensed casino:
- Anyone under 21 years of age.
- Government officials and employees connected directly with the operation of the government or any of its agencies.
- Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.
- Anyone listed in PAGCOR's National Database of Restricted Persons, which includes people who have excluded themselves or been excluded by their family.
- Holders of a gaming employment licence.
The ban on government personnel is long-standing: it was set out in Memorandum Circular No. 8 in 2001. It applies to Philippine government workers, not to foreign tourists.
House rules differ by casino
Dress code, rules on photography, bag checks and table limits are set by each venue, not by PAGCOR. As a general courtesy, avoid taking photos on the gaming floor unless staff tell you it is allowed. KABAN has not published its house rules, so check at the entrance or ask the hotel before you go. We will add them here once they are public.
Play within your limits
If gambling stops being fun, PAGCOR runs self-exclusion and family exclusion programmes, and there are free helplines in the Philippines. See our guide to responsible gaming and where to get help.
Sources: PAGCOR responsible gaming, Official Gazette, Memorandum Circular No. 8, s. 2001, VERA Files.
