Online play is a very popular activity in the Philippines. During the COVID-19 pandemic, people had to find alternative recreational activities that didn’t require stepping out of their houses and many turned to a variety of online games at the time. Online casinos, fantasy sports, video games and sports betting became centers of attraction for fun seekers in the Philippines.
However, as the number of online players grew, so did the risk involve. Cybercriminals saw this growth as an opportunity to milk unsuspecting fun seekers of their resources. In this article, we discuss how to enjoy secure online play in the Philippines and popular tactics used by cyber attackers.
How is the online gaming scene in the Philippines?
The Philippines has one of the largest online gaming populations in Southeast Asia. The online gaming options cut across a variety of choices. The entire gaming industry in the Philippines is regulated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). The corporation licenses locally operated online gaming platforms, ensuring that the gameplay is fair and that players’ money and personal details are protected.
However, some foreign platforms have targeted the Philippine market and are not regulated by the PAGCOR. While many of these offshore platforms are legitimate, others are not, which places players at risk. This is why security should be a primary concern for players whether they are using a local or offshore platform.
What should players look for to ensure secure gameplay?
1. Verify the platform is licensed and regulated
Don’t sign up or deposit any money if you have not verified the legitimacy of the platform. If the platform is locally owned, you can check through the homepage for a PAGCOR sign, which signifies that they are under the oversight of PAGCOR. Alternatively, you can verify their license through the PAGCOR guarantee site, where the regulatory body lists gaming institutions under their oversight.
There are also legitimate online casinos in the Philippines that are regulated by foreign trustworthy bodies, such as the Malta Gaming Authority or the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, among others. Askgamblers.com provides a list of some of the best ones. The licensing authority is usually found at the bottom of the homepage.
It is cause for concern when there is no licensing information on the platform, the bonuses are outrageously high, or the terms and conditions are poorly written. A regulated platform is obligated to offer fair games, fund protection and reliable dispute handling.
2. Choose secure payment options
A study showed that Filipinos lost over $8bn in the 12 months between 2023 and 2024 due to insecure payment transactions. This is why it’s important to exercise due diligence to ascertain the credibility of a payment option before using it. A secure payment option is usually encrypted and has positive user reviews. The most popular secure payment options for online players in the Philippines are:
- Digital wallets like PayMaya, GCash and GrabPay
- Visa and MasterCard
- Cryptocurrencies
As a rule of thumb, do not enter your payment details if a padlock sign doesn’t appear on the website bar. The padlock sign indicates that the page uses SSL encryption, a protective feature.
3. Get clues from real reviews of other users
Reviews can save you from a ton of regrets. While gaming platforms may have reviews on their sites, it is safer to use third-party platforms. Usually, social media forums are the best place to get honest feedback. Feedback could range from the stability of the platform to the promptness of payouts and how responsive their customer service is. You might also want to pay special attention to reviews that sound too promotional. If you feel something is odd, then it probably is.
4. Test their customer service responsiveness
Usually, a platform that takes player security seriously is prompt in resolving inquiries and complaints from players. You can send a query to test their response. A credible platform should be available around the clock with multiple channels, such as phone, live chat and email.
5. Use personal security practices
Despite using the services of secure gaming platforms, it is key that players take their personal security into their own hands. Whether it’s on a mobile device or a computer, there are antivirus and firewall programs that can protect your device during online gameplay. Also, to protect yourself from unauthorized logins, two-factor authentication can be of help.
Common security issues that online gamers in the Philippines face
1. Phishing scams and fake websites
Cybercriminals often trick unsuspecting players into submitting their personal login and financial details by mimicking authentic platforms and websites. Once these details fall into the wrong hands, they can be used to commit identity theft and fraud.
2. Malware and spyware attacks
There are some pirated gaming platforms that are infected with spyware and malware that can steal the details of players.
3. Weak data protection
Player details are one important point of discussion in the gaming industry. Some platforms store player details with weak encryption. This makes details like payment and login information susceptible to cyber theft.
4. Unlicensed and rigged platforms
Offshore platforms often have the subtle privilege of bypassing the regulatory oversight of PAGCOR. Some of these platforms lack clear ownership or licensing information. In rare cases, they may manipulate results or use complex cash-out policies to deny players their winnings.
Your security starts with smart choices
No one should need to worry about their security while using an online gaming platform. Interestingly, not every online gaming platform offers tight security, even in the Philippines. To find the most secure sites, verify the platform is regulated and licensed, choose secure payment options, read real reviews from other users and test their responsiveness to customer questions.
