Play Safe with 88bon

Our Commitment to Responsible Gaming

At 88bon, we believe that online casino gaming and sports betting should be fun, exciting, and most importantly, safe. We understand that for most Filipino players, gambling is a form of entertainment — a chance to unwind after work, enjoy the thrill of a sports match, or test your luck on a weekend. However, we also recognize that for a small percentage of players, gambling can become problematic and lead to negative consequences.

That's why 88bon has built a comprehensive responsible gaming program designed to protect vulnerable players, promote healthy gambling habits, and provide support resources for those who need help. As a PAGCOR-regulated online gaming platform, we take our social responsibility seriously and are committed to upholding the highest standards of player protection in the Philippines.

What is Responsible Gaming?

Responsible gaming means gambling in a way that is controlled, balanced, and does not negatively impact your life, finances, relationships, or mental health. It involves understanding the risks, setting personal limits, recognizing warning signs, and seeking help when needed. At 88bon, responsible gaming is not just a policy — it's woven into every aspect of our platform design, from registration safeguards to self-exclusion tools.

The Reality of Gambling: Risks You Should Know

While many Filipinos enjoy gambling responsibly as a leisure activity, it's important to understand that all forms of gambling carry inherent risks. The house always has an edge in casino games — this is how casinos operate sustainably. Over time, most players will lose more money than they win. Sports betting outcomes are unpredictable, and even the most knowledgeable bettors cannot guarantee profits.

88bon wants you to approach gambling with realistic expectations. Think of your betting budget as the cost of entertainment, similar to buying movie tickets or dining out. Never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose. Never chase losses by betting more to "win it back." And never borrow money or use credit to fund your gambling activities.

Age Restriction: 21+ Only in the Philippines

Philippine law, under PAGCOR regulations, prohibits individuals under the age of 21 from participating in casino-style gambling activities. 88bon strictly enforces this age requirement. During registration, all new players must provide their date of birth and verify their identity using government-issued identification documents such as a Philippine passport, driver's license, Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID), or Postal ID.

Our verification team manually reviews every ID submission to confirm the player's age and identity. Accounts found to belong to individuals under 21 years of age are immediately and permanently closed, with all funds forfeited. If you are a parent or guardian, we encourage you to use device-level parental controls and monitor your child's internet usage to prevent underage gambling.

Recognizing Problem Gambling: Warning Signs

Problem gambling, also known as gambling disorder or compulsive gambling, is a behavioral addiction that can have serious consequences on your financial stability, relationships, work performance, and mental health. It affects people of all ages, income levels, and backgrounds. The key to addressing problem gambling is early recognition.

Ask yourself the following questions honestly. If you answer "yes" to several of these, you may be at risk and should seek help:

• Do you often gamble longer or spend more money than you intended?
• Have you tried to cut down or stop gambling but found yourself unable to do so?
• Do you feel restless, irritable, or anxious when you try to reduce or stop gambling?
• Do you gamble to escape problems, relieve stress, or cope with feelings of guilt, anxiety, or depression?
• After losing money, do you feel compelled to return as soon as possible to "chase" your losses and win your money back?
• Have you lied to family members, friends, or others to hide the extent of your gambling?
• Have you jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, educational opportunity, or career advancement because of gambling?
• Do you rely on others to provide money to cover desperate financial situations caused by gambling debts?
• Have you borrowed money, sold possessions, or engaged in illegal activities to finance gambling or pay gambling debts?
• Do you neglect work, school, or family responsibilities to spend more time gambling?
• Have friends or family members expressed concern about your gambling behavior?

If you recognize these signs in yourself or a loved one, it's time to take action. Problem gambling is treatable, and help is available in the Philippines.

Where to Get Help in the Philippines

88bon encourages anyone struggling with problem gambling to reach out to professional support services. Below are trusted resources available to Filipino citizens:

• National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) Crisis Hotline: Call 0917-899-USAP (8727) or (02) 7-989-USAP (8727) for 24/7 crisis intervention and mental health support. NCMH provides counseling services for gambling addiction and can refer you to specialized treatment programs.
• In Touch Community Services: A Manila-based organization offering counseling, support groups, and rehabilitation programs for individuals with gambling problems and their families. Visit their office at 60 East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City or call (02) 8-893-7603.
• PAGCOR Responsible Gaming Program: The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation offers responsible gaming resources, self-exclusion registration, and educational materials. Visit the PAGCOR website or contact their Responsible Gaming Advocacy Office for assistance.
• Gamban (Software Blocker): Install Gamban on your devices to block access to all gambling websites, including 88bon. This free tool is recommended for individuals who want to eliminate temptation during recovery. Download at gamban.com.
• Gamblers Anonymous Philippines: Attend free, confidential meetings with others who are recovering from gambling addiction. GA follows a 12-step program similar to Alcoholics Anonymous. Check online for meeting schedules and locations in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao.

88bon supports all players who choose to seek help. If you self-exclude due to problem gambling, we will not send you promotional materials or re-engagement communications during your exclusion period. Your decision to prioritize your well-being is respected and confidential.

Tips for Healthy Gambling Habits

If you choose to continue gambling on 88bon, follow these best practices to maintain a healthy relationship with gaming:

• Set a Budget and Stick to It: Decide how much you can afford to lose before you start playing, and never exceed that amount. Treat gambling as entertainment, not an investment.
• Never Chase Losses: If you're having a losing session, accept the loss and walk away. Chasing losses leads to bigger losses and impulsive decision-making.
• Take Regular Breaks: Step away from the screen every 30-60 minutes. Take a walk, drink water, or do something else to reset your mindset.
• Don't Gamble When Emotional: Avoid gambling when you're stressed, angry, depressed, or intoxicated. Emotional gambling leads to poor judgment and regrettable decisions.
• Balance Gambling with Other Activities: Make sure gambling doesn't dominate your free time. Spend time with family, pursue hobbies, exercise, and maintain social connections outside of gaming.
• Understand the Games: Learn the rules, odds, and house edge of the games you play. This helps you make informed bets and manage expectations about winning and losing.
• Use Responsible Gaming Tools: Enable deposit limits, session reminders, and loss limits on your 88bon account. These tools are there to help you stay in control.

Supporting a Loved One with a Gambling Problem

If someone you care about is struggling with problem gambling, your support can make a significant difference in their recovery. Here's how you can help:

• Start a Conversation: Approach the person with empathy and concern, not judgment or anger. Use "I" statements like "I'm worried about how much time you're spending gambling" rather than accusatory language.
• Educate Yourself: Learn about gambling addiction, its warning signs, and treatment options. Understanding the nature of the disorder will help you provide appropriate support.
• Encourage Professional Help: Suggest that they contact the National Center for Mental Health, a counselor, or Gamblers Anonymous. Offer to help them find resources or accompany them to appointments.
• Set Boundaries: Protect yourself financially and emotionally. Do not lend money to cover gambling debts, as this enables the behavior. Do not take over their responsibilities as a way to "help."
• Seek Support for Yourself: Living with someone who has a gambling problem is stressful. Consider joining Gam-Anon, a support group for family members and friends of problem gamblers.
• Be Patient: Recovery from gambling addiction is a long process with setbacks. Continue to offer support while maintaining healthy boundaries.

Remember, you cannot force someone to change. They must be willing to acknowledge the problem and seek help on their own. Your role is to provide support, encouragement, and resources when they are ready.