Filipino casino PHLove slammed by watchdog for false licensing claims
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has had to put its foot down over a Filipino online casino claiming that it’s licensed by the Maltese authority. PHLove.org lists the MGA as one of four licensers, but on further inspection, the operator isn’t listed as licensed anywhere.
The MGA said in a press release that it has “no connection” to the site, with the typical warnings that come with unlicensed operators. However, as we dug further into each commission’s own available lists and databases, PHLove is clearly lying to its customer base.
PHLove shuts down chat when asked about license claims
We reached out to PHLove, which provides a support email on its site. We also reached out through their support chat, which can only be accessed if you’re given a direct link. The link available at the bottom of the site’s page doesn’t function, and we needed to reach out via Facebook to even get a foot in the door.
After a bit of confusion, we were quickly shut out of the conversation with a firm statement from the support representative (or chatbot, as could be the case):
“We are legit 100%. PHLOVE is under the Philippines gaming license, issued by the PAGCOR. This means we follow the most rigorous practices when it comes to player protection and responsible gaming, and that our Players are protected by the law.”
However, PAGCOR doesn’t list them as a licensed operator in the Philippines as of June 19, 2025. In fact, according to another support page on PAGCOR’s site, it claims the following:
“Following the issuance of Executive Order No. 74, which mandates the immediate ban of Philippine offshore gaming operations in the country, please be advised that ALL Internet Gaming Licensees and Authorized Providers were cancelled effective December 15, 2024.
“Relative thereto, we issue this notice for public awareness and consumer protection. Any company or gaming website claiming to hold a valid offshore gaming/internet gaming license from PAGCOR is fraudulent and unauthorized.”
On top of this, PHLove also lists the UK Gambling Commission as a licenser. This is easily proven false, as PHLove doesn’t exist in the database.
There are even issues with the art
We also did a reverse image search for a piece of art featured on the page. It turns out to be a piece of art that is assumed to have been originally created by artist “Mai Ya” around seven years ago. The work, hosted on ArtStation, is ripped off by multiple other casinos from the region.
PHLove is riding a thin line, as the Filipino government has begun to crack down even further on unregulated gambling websites.
ReadWrite has reached out to PAGCOR, the UKGC, MGA, and PHLove for further comment.
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