Influencer casino promos: how to tell if a sponsored gambling site is illegal

A famous face, a giveaway or a referral code does not make a gambling site legal. Authorities have gone after influencers who push unlicensed sites. You must be 21+ to gamble, and we do not use influencer or livestream promotion ourselves.

What authorities have done

• 13 November 2025: the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) said its monitoring team, with the group Digital Pinoys, identified 30 influencers still promoting illegal online gambling; the top 15 had between 1.1 million and 9.2 million followers. It said it was endorsing the list to the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group for possible case build-up and requesting takedowns. Possible charges cited were the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, PD 1602 and estafa under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code (GMA News).
• 16 March 2026: the CICC referred cases against 10 influencers to the PNP-ACG; some accounts were taken down and some first-time offenders promised to promote responsible gaming. Names were not released (Diskurso).

We name no individuals and these are allegations referred for investigation, not convictions.

A viewer's checklist

1. Ignore the link. Type the address yourself.
2. Match it on PAGCOR: PAGCOR Guarantee, then our checker and brand check.
3. Look for the required warnings. PAGCOR's code requires a 21+ message in gambling ads (RG Code); posts that promise guaranteed wins or "easy money" break its rules.
4. Be wary of livestream "rooms", referral links and "free 100" offers (free 100). PAGCOR warned in July 2025 that gambling livestreamed on social media is likely illegal (AGBrief).
5. Never pay a personal account or a fee to withdraw (scam signs).
6. Report scams to Hotline 1326.

If you are tempted by constant promos, see how to stop gambling texts and self-exclusion and help.