Philippines Online Poker
Can you play poker in Philippines? Are the best online poker sites available in the Philippines? The answer to both is yes. However, as you’ll discover, the market is slightly more complex than you might expect. We will say from the outset that poker is legal in the Philippines. That’s important. However, when it comes to online regulations, tax, making payments, and more, there are some nuances you need to know.
Online Poker in the Philippines
Playing poker online in the Philippines is popular and has attracted a lot of gamblers over the years. We witnessed how online poker enthusiasts enjoyed playing in land-based casinos and participating in tournaments. These days, locals have access to online poker in the Philippines with real money, as these are legal and offered by offshore gambling sites. Offshore poker sites have varieties of games in single-game and tournament formats. The Philippines also hosts tournament events through different popular poker organizations like PokerStars. If you want to know more about online poker in the country, you are in the right place.
Review of Philippine Online Poker Rooms
Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is known for being the center of gambling in the country, including poker. Online poker sites in the Philippines have introduced a series of poker events like the Asian Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) and the Asian Poker Tour (APT). Several Filipino online poker players and international players have participated in these tournaments.
Before engaging in any online poker room site or tournament, it is ideal to know the rules. There are several poker rooms available in the Philippines. Players are assured that they are safe and secure with all the licenses and certifications needed. With the popularity of poker in the country, it is not surprising that it is home to several world-class Filipino players.
Top Poker Sites in the Philippines
Now we know that many Filipinos are avid fans of online poker. Choosing a suitable online poker room is vital to maximizing the gaming experience. Online poker sites in the Philippines are offshore, so you can choose any online poker room from the list. You can check sites such as PokerStars Philippines.
Is PokerStars Legal in the Philippines?
PokerStars is one of the most popular online poker rooms in the Philippines. Since it is an international site, the number of games to choose from is vast. PokerStars is a site for Filipino players looking for action in playing real money games and joining tournaments. The site has been active since 2001 and uses its proprietary network for games and tournaments.
PokerStars has dozens of poker games on its list. The online poker site attracts many players for every tournament they host. Included on their site are Hold’em, Omaha, and Fast-Fold Poker. A real money poker app in the Philippines is likewise available for PokerStars members and aspiring players who are on the go. Not to mention the generous welcome bonus offered that will entice poker enthusiasts.
Poker Games in the Philippines
Poker games in the Philippines online has many variations. Commonly, Hold’em and Omaha are in different online poker rooms. Hold’em can be played in Limit, Pot Limit, and No Limit, while Omaha is in the Pot Limit or Hi/Lo formats.
Filipino poker fans may also join live events such as competitions of the country’s large casinos and online MTTs. You may also enjoy tournaments in Asian Poker Tour, the Asian Pacific Poker Tour, and the World Poker Tour. Websites like PokerStars, partypoker, and 888Poker also host online poker tournaments in the Philippines.
Exciting Bonuses Available
Online poker enthusiasts and aspiring players may enjoy more than just playing poker games. Different sites will not only give you the entertainment that you are expecting. They also offer bonuses, and these are something to look forward to. Not only that these add attraction to online poker sites, but they also give you extra to maximize your investment. Here are the bonuses to expect when signing up on your chosen site:
Welcome Bonuses
Most Philippine online poker real money game sites offer Filipino players welcome bonuses once they join. However, only expect that some sites will provide the same reward. As a rule, players will receive free cash incentives based on the amount of deposit made. The amount eventually increments as you increase the amount of the deposit or rake.
Rakeback
Frequent online poker players can enjoy more winnings with Rakeback and loyalty or VIP rewards. The amount of Rakeback increases depending on the amount you play for a given period. Points are earned every time you pay a rake and convert them into other rewards like tickets for tournaments, free cash, and exciting prizes.
Bonuses for Reloads
This type of bonus is similar to a welcome bonus but offered only to existing users or players. Players may also receive extra credits, depending on the deposit size. Many Filipino online poker rooms offer a 50% reload bonus in which, when a gambler deposits $100, there will be $50 free credits.
Freerolls and Free Tickets for Tournaments
Online poker sites give a complete gaming experience through MTT tickets. Players may enter freerolls with corresponding cash prizes and tournament tickets. Filipino online poker players may use the tickets to join more rewarding tournaments. These bonuses allow players to join and play games without spending anything.
Payment Methods at Philippine Poker Sites
Since all online poker sites use offshore operators, the standard currency is USD. The conversion follows standard foreign exchange rates and may include certain currency conversion charges. When it comes to the financial aspect of playing on online poker sites, there are reliable, secure payment options to go with. Players may use credit cards like Visa and Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, EcoPayz, and various cryptocurrencies. The latter may only be standard in some online poker rooms, but many are now adding this form of payment on their sites. Filipino players may place their deposits at a minimum of $10 with a 24-hour processing time for withdrawals.
Legal Status of Online Poker Sites in the Philippines
Since gambling is popular in the Philippines, an assigned agency regulates all casinos. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) significantly contributes to the country’s revenue. However, it is different when it comes to online poker rooms. Though online poker is not entirely prohibited in the Philippines, no laws regulate it. However, rules and regulations may change over time. Filipinos currently enjoy playing online poker without fearing legal complications.
Taxation of Poker Winnings in the Philippines
Taxing online poker winnings is usually a gray area in the Philippines. Players who have won specific amounts may sometimes not declare their gambling income. Though this is done by many, problems may arise in the future if audited. The tax percentage significantly depends on the size of winnings in the Philippines. Filipino online poker players who have won Php 10,000 and below will be taxed 10%. Above Php 10,000, players’ tax is at 20%.
Philippine Online Poker FAQs
Is online poker legal in the Philippines?
Playing online poker in the Philippines is legal but only through licensed offshore gambling sites. With the different forms of gambling in the country, various agencies regulate them. The biggest one is the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
What is the legal age to play online poker in the Philippines?
The legal age to gamble in the Philippines is 21 years old. The age includes playing online poker games.
Will I be able to play against Filipino and international players?
Since online poker rooms are offshore, Filipino players can compete against local and international players. It is interesting to know that some of the world’s best poker players reside in the Philippines.
What are the best online poker sites in the Philippines?
Filipino online poker players can play in several Philippine legal poker rooms. The best ones mentioned in this review are Bovada, BetOnline, Ignition Poker, PokerStars, and ZingPlay.
Can Filipinos play online poker for free?
Yes. Filipino poker players can play online poker for free. Some sites cater free-to-play online poker to Filipinos.