Philippine online gambling glossary: PAGCOR, KYC, NDRP, GEL, turnover, scatter

Short, plain definitions. Where PAGCOR defines a term, we follow its wording. 21+ only; this is information, not legal advice.

PAGCOR

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, the government gaming regulator and operator under its charter. It publishes lists of authorised online gaming websites. It is not a casino you deposit with; see fake PAGCOR sites.

PAGCOR Guarantee

PAGCOR's web directory of authorised online gaming websites, launched 18 June 2025 at pagcorguarantee.ph.

Gaming system administrator (GSA) and registered brands

In PAGCOR's published lists, an accredited gaming system administrator is a company with registered brands, root words and domain names/URLs for the games it offers. Our domain list reproduces the domain names only.

Accredited gaming affiliate (PAGCOR term)

In PAGCOR's published list dated 20 October 2026 (PDF), "accredited gaming affiliates" appear under the heading Game Content Providers, with their game offering and brands. It is a list of game suppliers, not a licence for marketing or review websites, so no review site is "PAGCOR accredited" because of it. PH Play Check is an independent information site and makes no such claim.

NDRP

National Database of Restricted Persons: per PAGCOR's Responsible Gaming Code of Practice, a list compiled and updated by PAGCOR of people prohibited from entering and playing in specific PAGCOR-authorised gaming premises. See who can play.

GEL

Gaming Employment License: an authorisation issued by PAGCOR allowing a person to be employed as a gaming employee in the Philippines (same Code). The Code says GEL holders may not play in gaming establishments.

KYC

"Know your customer": identity checks. PAGCOR said in February 2026 that registrants must submit initial KYC before they can deposit. See KYC.

Turnover (wagering requirement)

The amount you must bet before a bonus can be withdrawn; set by the operator's terms. See turnover meaning.

RTP, house edge and volatility

RTP (return to player) is the theoretical share of stakes a game returns over a very long run; house edge is 100% minus RTP. Volatility describes how big and how often wins are. None predicts a single session (slots explained).

Rebate and cashback

Cash rewards based on turnover or deposits (rebate) or on net losses (cashback). PAGCOR's 7 May 2026 memo caps them at 1.50% and 15% for the game types it names (details).

Rake

The fee a poker site takes from pots or tournament entries (poker).

Self-exclusion and family exclusion

PAGCOR programmes to bar yourself (6 months, 1 or 5 years) or, as a relative, someone else (6 months, 1 or 3 years) from PAGCOR-licensed sites. See how to apply.

BSP

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the central bank. Its August 2025 order made e-wallets remove in-app gambling links (explained).

CICC and Hotline 1326

The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center; Hotline 1326 is the national anti-scam hotline (report scams).

QRPh

The national QR payment standard. GCash said illegal operators misused it through QR masking (GCash QR scams).

Scatter

Everyday Filipino slang for online slot games (informally, a scatter is also a slot symbol that triggers features). Links and APKs labelled "scatter" are often scams; see the scatter warning.

Problem gambler

PAGCOR's Code describes an individual affected by gambling to the point of no longer having normal control or rational judgment, causing problems in other areas of life. Help: helpline and exclusion.