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'Access Restricted': why a gambling site is blocked in the Philippines and what to do

Seeing 'Access Restricted' on a gambling site? The CICC says it has blocked about 50,000 illegal sites. What it means, why mirror sites keep appearing, and what to do with your money.

By PH Play Check editorial teamUpdated 2026-10-272 min read

On this page (3 sections)
  1. What the block page is
  2. How big is it?
  3. What to do

If a gambling site or app suddenly shows "Access Restricted", it has probably been blocked. This page explains what that means and what to do. You must be 21+ to gamble.

What the block page is

The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) operates a block page at blocked.sbmd.cicc.gov.ph. The only message we could read there is "Access Restricted"; we found no explanation, list or contact on it, so we do not claim more about it. A site shown there is not one to deposit into.

How big is it?

The Manila Times reported on 18 February 2026 that the CICC said it has been blocking about 50,000 illegal gambling sites. The report adds that new platforms quickly replace those taken down, and that 95 to 97 percent of the sites operate from outside the Philippines, so authorities can only restrict local access rather than shut them down (Manila Times). PAGCOR's chairman also said in August 2026 that operators return under new domain names (scam signs).

What to do

  1. Do not deposit and do not try to get around the block. If a site must be reached through a workaround, you cannot verify it.
  2. Check whether the brand is on PAGCOR's lists: brand check, licence checker, PAGCOR Guarantee. Licensed brands use the exact registered addresses.
  3. If you already have money in it, screenshot your balance and transactions, stop depositing and report to Hotline 1326. We cannot recover funds, and a "recovery agent" asking for a fee is another scam.
  4. If your usual licensed casino shows the block, you may have a mistyped or look-alike address: type the registered address yourself.
  5. Look after yourself: if gambling is a problem, free help is available at 02-8248-9568.

Gambling can be addictive. Know when to stop.

Frequently asked questions

Why does a gambling site show 'Access Restricted'?

The CICC runs a block page at blocked.sbmd.cicc.gov.ph whose only text we could read is 'Access Restricted'. It is where blocked sites appear to redirect, so a site showing it has probably been blocked. We could not read any explanation on it, so verify the address on PAGCOR's lists before relying on any assumption.

How many sites are blocked?

The Manila Times reported on 18 February 2026 that the CICC said it has been blocking about 50,000 illegal gambling sites, and that new platforms quickly replace those taken down.

Should I use a VPN to get in?

We do not recommend bypassing a block. A site that has to be reached that way is not one you can verify on PAGCOR's lists, and VPNs do not make an unlicensed operator safe.

Bakit 'Access Restricted' ang site?

Malamang na na-block ito. Huwag mag-deposit; i-check ang eksaktong address sa PAGCOR Guarantee at sa listahan ng PAGCOR.

Sources

Related reading

Also: PAGCOR licence checker →