Philippines’ Mobile Casino Games for Real Money
Land-based casinos have been a feature in the Philippines since the 1970s, but to this day, those open to locals are all located in the vicinity of Manila. Considering local geography, with the republic comprising more than 7,000 islands, trips to and from the capital just to visit casinos is not always convenient for all Filipinos, which is why online casino gambling has become so popular. The non-stop march of technology has expanded their options even more: many people now play mobile casino games for real money in the Philippines using their smartphones or tablets.
Compared to its regional neighbours, the Philippines provides its citizens with reliable, affordable connectivity, and this superior infrastructure also helps to drive the growth in mobile casino games for real money. In one fell swoop, casino access via mobile device removes distance and transport costs as a disincentive, while also assuring players that the games they like to play will be instantly available whenever they want to try their luck. No more overcrowded casino floors, and no waiting while another player hogs a machine.
A Note on the Legal Position
It is worth taking a quick look at Philippine laws relating to gambling, because they are slightly quirky, although it is definitely legal to play mobile casino games for real money. The autonomous Cagayan Special Economic Zone, covering the northern peninsula of Luzon island, licenses and operates both land-based and online casinos, but both are only available to foreign players, whether they be tourists or online visitors.
In the rest of the republic, all gaming is regulated by the state-owned Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, PAGCOR, which includes all of Manila’s land-based casinos, open to tourists as well as Filipinos. But PAGCOR does not license or operate any online or mobile casinos. However, there is no law prohibiting the playing of mobile casino games for real money, so Philippine gaming enthusiasts can access mobile casino sites licensed in other jurisdictions perfectly legally.
Taking the Usual Online Precautions
According to government statements, the Philippines’ online and mobile gambling laws may change in the future. However, indications are that authorities would rather formalise and tax online gaming, to contribute to the budget for social spending, rather than outlaw the practice, so those who like to play mobile casino games for real money can probably look forward to many years of legal gambling via their mobile devices.
This does not make the process risk-free, of course. Every wager can win or lose, after all; that is what makes gaming a thrill. And like any activity that mixes bank accounts and the internet, players need to take some basic precautions before they even consider mobile casino games for real money. Security encryption to protect their bank accounts; privacy policies that keep their personal information out of the hands of third parties; a solid reputation for prompt payments and fair games: these are all reassurances that reputable mobile need to have in place.
Instant Play and Downloads Available
Mobile casino games like blackjack, poker or real money online pokies make the casino truly portable. Some mobile casinos offer instant play through Flash software, while others have apps to download, so players can even enjoy games for fun when they are offline. Combined with a massive selection of games, these convenient playing options make mobile casino games like pokies online NZ for real money a natural fit with Philippine gambling enthusiasts.