Commitment to Guest Responsibility at OKBET

OKBET is dedicated to fostering gaming as a responsible and enjoyable form of entertainment and leisure. The company emphasizes the shared duty among all stakeholders to make informed gaming choices and promote socially responsible gaming behaviour. The foremost priority is to ensure a fair, secure gaming environment while safeguarding players from potential negative effects associated with gaming activities.

To uphold this commitment, OKBET offers a comprehensive responsible gaming program that surpasses basic requirements and consistently delivers outstanding outcomes. This initiative supports individuals seeking help, provides specialized staff training to assist guests effectively, and encourages an atmosphere where awareness of responsible gaming is widespread. The program also prioritizes ease of access and confidentiality for those needing support.

In collaboration with the Life Change Recovery Center, a local consulting agency, OKBET offers professional customer care services to its guests. Players are encouraged to engage in gaming that is rational, controlled, and responsible.

Policy on Excluded Individuals at OKBET

OKBET upholds its dedication to promoting gaming as a responsible and alternative form of entertainment and leisure. The company emphasizes that all stakeholders share a collective responsibility to ensure gaming decisions are well-informed and that gaming conduct remains socially responsible. The following categories of individuals are explicitly excluded from participating:

  • Those under the age of twenty-one (21) or currently enrolled as students in any school, college, or university within the Philippines.
  • Government officials who have direct connections to government operations or any associated agencies, along with their immediate family members, including parents, spouses, and children.
  • Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines—including the Army, Navy, and Air Force—as well as personnel from the Philippine National Police.
  • Holders of the PAGCOR Gaming Employment License (GEL) who are directly or indirectly engaged in gaming operations.
  • Individuals listed in the National Database of Restricted Persons (NDRP).

This policy reinforces OKBET’s commitment to maintaining a responsible gaming environment by clearly defining those who are not permitted to participate.

Understanding Gambling Addiction and Its Impact

Gambling addiction arises when an individual develops an overwhelming and uncontrollable compulsion to gamble, which can result in significant financial debt and potentially cause harm to their family and community.

This addiction disrupts multiple facets of a person’s life, including their mental well-being, physical health, social relationships, and professional responsibilities. The condition is often identified by the following behaviours:

  • Growing preoccupation with gambling activities.
  • An increasing urge to place larger and more frequent bets.
  • Experiencing feelings of restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop gambling.
  • Trying to recover losses by continuing to gamble, known as “chasing losses”.
  • A loss of self-control, with gambling persisting despite escalating negative consequences and serious personal, social, or financial harm.

Recognizing these signs is crucial for addressing the adverse effects of gambling addiction and encouraging responsible gaming practices.

Promoting Responsible Gaming Practices

For individuals who frequently engage in gambling, it is not unusual to occasionally exceed their planned budget. To avoid financial strain, it is strongly recommended to establish clear and manageable budget limits to keep gambling expenses within affordable boundaries. Often, people may underestimate the severity of their gambling issues and only seek assistance during a crisis.

It is important to conduct an honest self-assessment: if there is any doubt about a potential problem, setting a personal challenge to abstain from gambling for two weeks or even a month can serve as a useful test. Failure to maintain this break may indicate a deeper issue that could negatively impact not only the individual but also their family, career, and overall personal life. Therefore, gambling should always be approached with responsibility and mindfulness.

Aligned with PAGCOR’s Responsible Gaming initiatives, all players must remember that gambling in open or public locations is strictly forbidden. Upon logging into the platform, users are encouraged to review the responsible gaming guidelines to promote a safe, secure, and enjoyable gaming experience for everyone involved.

For individuals who suspect that they or a family member may be struggling with a gambling issue, support is readily available. OKBET encourages reaching out to customer support for guidance. Additionally, OKBET has partnered with specialized support organizations to provide professional help for those facing gambling-related challenges. The following centres offer direct assistance and can be contacted for help:

  • Life Change Recovery Center:
  • Contact Person: Dr. Randy Misael S. Dellosa;
  • Address: 105 Scout Rallos Street, Kamuning, Brgy. Sacred Heart, Quezon City;
  • Phone Numbers: (02) 415-7964 / 415-6529;
  • Website: www.lifechangerecoverycenter.com.
  • Bridges of Hope Drugs and Alcohol Rehabilitation Foundation, Inc.:
  • Headquarters: 364 Aguirre Avenue, Phase 3, BF Homes, Parañaque City, Metro Manila;
  • Telephone: (02) 622-0193.
  • New Manila Branch:
  • Address: 12 Orestes Lane, Mariposa Street;
  • Phone Numbers: (02) 502-0600; (0917) 856-0623;
  • Email: [email protected].

These organizations offer professional support to those affected by gambling difficulties, ensuring access to the care and resources necessary for recovery.

Overview of the PAGCOR Exclusion Program

PAGCOR administers the exclusion program designed to prevent individuals from participating in gambling activities at all establishments operated or regulated by PAGCOR.

Details about the forms and procedures are accessible through this link: https://pagcor.ph/regulatory/exclusion2.php. The program offers two distinct types of exclusion:

  • Self-Exclusion:
  • Individuals may request to be excluded from gambling for periods of 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years;
  • Once the chosen exclusion duration ends, the restriction is automatically lifted;
  • The six-month exclusion period is final and cannot be reversed;
  • Extensions are possible, but must be for a minimum of six (6) months.
  • Family Exclusion:
  • Family members eligible to request exclusion include a spouse, a child aged 18 years or older, or a parent;
  • The exclusion period can be set for 6 months, 1 year, or 3 years;
  • After the exclusion period concludes, the family exclusion order will be automatically lifted unless a new request for exclusion is submitted by the family;
  • For questions or further assistance, PAGCOR can be contacted at [email protected].

This program serves as an essential tool in promoting responsible gaming by offering individuals and families a formal way to limit access to gambling environments under PAGCOR’s jurisdiction.