How to stop online gambling text messages in the Philippines

Unsolicited texts pushing casino links, "free credits" or "scatter" apps are common. Treat them as suspicious: licensed operators must also run identity checks before you deposit, so a text that promises money for a click is a red flag. You must be 21+ to gamble.

What to do

1. Do not click links, install APKs or reply. Replying can tell the sender your number is active (general security advice).
2. Screenshot the message with the sender's number or name and the time.
3. Block the sender in your phone or messaging app and turn on spam filtering if your network or app offers it.
4. Report it to your mobile network and to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). Globe publishes a #StopSPAM page (globe.com.ph/stop-spam) and the NTC has a text scam/spam report page (ntc.gov.ph). We could not open either page from our systems, so use the current instructions on those official sites.
5. If you clicked, paid or shared an OTP, treat it as fraud, not spam: secure your bank and e-wallet accounts first, then report to Hotline 1326 (Philstar). GCash's own advice includes never sharing your MPIN or OTP (GCash/Mynt).

What the regulators have said

AGBrief reported in February 2026 that PAGCOR monitors illegal ads and reports them to the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center and the NTC, and that prime-time gambling ads on TV and radio are already prohibited (AGBrief). PAGCOR also says any link not posted on its official website is considered illegal, and advises playing only on registered sites (PAGCOR, Dec 2022).

If the texts feel hard to resist

Frequent promo messages can make it harder to stop. PAGCOR's self-exclusion and the 24/7 helpline (02-8248-9568) are there for that. More on fake links: scatter link and APK warning and scam signs.