Responsible Gambling and Player Support

Betting on esports can be an enjoyable part of following The International 2026, but it carries real risk and is meant only for adults who can afford to lose what they stake. Players in the Philippines must be at least 18 years old to bet. This page sets out how to keep wagering under control and where to turn if it stops being fun, because a hub that talks about betting has a duty to talk about its risks too.

Warning signs to take seriously

Problem gambling rarely announces itself; it creeps in. Be honest with yourself if you notice any of the patterns below, because catching them early is far easier than unwinding them later. The presence of one or more of these signs is a cue to step back and reassess your relationship with betting.

• Betting more than you planned, or staking money meant for essentials.
• Chasing losses with bigger bets to try to win it back.
• Feeling restless, anxious or irritable when you are not betting.
• Hiding the extent of your wagering from family or friends.
• Letting betting interfere with work, study, sleep or relationships.

Practical tools to stay in control

Most reputable sportsbooks offer built-in tools to help you set limits, and using them is a sign of strength, not weakness. Deposit limits cap how much you can put in over a chosen period, loss and wager limits restrict your exposure, and reality checks remind you how long you have been playing. If you need a firmer break, self-exclusion lets you lock yourself out for a set time or indefinitely. Set these controls before the group stage begins, while you are thinking clearly, rather than mid-tournament.

Beyond the platform tools, a few habits go a long way. Decide on a fixed entertainment budget for the whole event and never top it up to chase a result. Treat any winnings as a bonus rather than income, and never bet under the influence or to escape a bad mood. If a session stops being fun, that is the moment to close the app, not place one more bet.

Where to find help

The Philippines does not have a single dedicated national gambling-helpline in the way some countries do, so we point readers to established international organisations that offer free, confidential support to anyone, anywhere. These services provide advice, self-assessment tools and someone to talk to, at no cost.

• BeGambleAware — information, self-assessment and support tools.
• Gambling Therapy — free online help and forums for people affected by gambling, worldwide.
• Gamblers Anonymous — a fellowship-based recovery programme with international meetings.

If you are worried about your own betting or someone else's, reaching out to one of these services is a constructive first step, and there is no shame in it. Gambling should never come before your wellbeing, your responsibilities or the people around you. Enjoy the tournament first and foremost; the betting, if you choose it at all, should stay a small and controlled part of the experience.