Government officials and employees are now explicitly prohibited from engaging in online betting and other forms of gambling, as the Civil Service Commission (CSC) expanded its policy to cover both digital platforms and traditional gambling venues.

The prohibition is contained in CSC Resolution No. 2600111 dated Jan. 19, 2026, which seeks to strengthen integrity in public service and prevent conflicts of interest among state workers.

“The policy applies to all officials and employees of the national government, local government units, autonomous regional governments, state and local universities and colleges, and government-owned or -controlled corporations with original charters, unless otherwise provided by law,” the resolution read.

In a statement on April 23, CSC Chairperson Marilyn Yap said the policy is anchored on the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (Republic Act No. 6713), the Administrative Code of 1987 (Executive Order No. 292), relevant jurisprudence, and prior directives restricting casino entry and related gambling activities.

“Involvement in gambling may expose public servants to financial vulnerability and conflicts of interest, which can undermine impartiality and erode public trust,” Yap said.

“This prohibition reinforces the duty of all government personnel to consistently uphold integrity and professionalism in public service,” she added.

The CSC defines gambling as “any game played for money or value in which the outcome depends wholly or chiefly on chance, or the use of any mechanical device or contrivance to determine by chance the winner or loser of money.”

The updated policy places stronger emphasis on online and electronic betting, explicitly covering online casinos, e-bingo, e-sabong, and internet-based gambling accessed through any device.

It also maintains strict limits on physical gambling, prohibiting government workers from entering, staying in, or participating in casinos, gambling houses, or similar establishments, whether land-based or sea-based, inside or outside the Philippines, even if licensed.

The CSC further bars the promotion or facilitation of gambling activities in any form, including informal, private, social, or emerging betting arrangements.

Mere presence in gambling venues is considered a violation, unless the official or employee is there in the performance of authorized official duties.

However, the commission clarified that activities conducted for charitable, civic, or public welfare purposes may be allowed, as well as games not prohibited by law, provided these do not create any appearance of impropriety or conflict of interest.

Violations may be reported through the CSC’s Contact Center ng Bayan or other complaint mechanisms, including anonymous submissions, which will be processed under existing rules.

Under the 2025 Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service, gambling prohibited by law is punishable by reprimand for the first offense, suspension for the second offense, and dismissal from service for the third offense, without prejudice to criminal or civil liabilities under existing laws.