Games and Amusements Board

The GAB logo/seal features: the red triangle representing the three main geographical islands of the Philippines; the six circles, symbolizing the original professional sports/games, under GAB supervision, such as boxing, basketball, jai-alai, billiards, golf and horse racing; and, the two stars, illustrating the Board and the Office of the President, under which GAB operates. The Games and Amusements Board initially started its operation in 1951 with the issuance of Executive Order No. 392. Through this particular law, the powers, duties and functions previously exercised, and performed by: 1) the city and municipal mayors over fronton and basque pelota games; 2) the Boxing and Wrestling Commission over boxing and wrestling; and 3) the Philippine Racing Commission (PRC) over horse racing, were consolidated and transferred to the Board. It must be noted however that on March 20, 1974, the authority over horse racing was divided between the Board and the PRC. On January 6, 1976, the scope of GAB’s regulatory function over professional sports widened as the agency was tasked to likewise supervise and regulate the professional basketball and other professional games in the country. The Board’s regulatory function was also made more specific against anti-illegal gambling operations with the establishment of Anti-Illegal Gambling Unit (AIGU) in January 17, 1992 – which became one of GAB’s units. AIGU initially was composed of personnel appointed by the Chairman of GAB and detailed staff from the Philippine National Police (PNP), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Philippine Racing Commission, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), other offices involved in gaming operations, as well as other law enforcement agencies in the country. On December 28, 1993, the Board assumed part of the overall functions of the Gamefowl Commission, particularly insofar as international cockfight derbies are concerned. GAB has now under its regulatory care other sports and games, practiced nationwide, such as Muay Thai (Thai Boxing), Mixed Martial Arts, Billiards, Bowling, Tennis, Table Tennis and Women Boxing. GAB, as an organization, is headed by a Chairman and two (2) Commisioners, supported and assisted by about 161 personnel. Its office is located at the 2nd Floor of Legaspi Towers 200, Paseo de Roxas Makati City Philippines. To make its operations nearer to parties concerned, the GAB has also opened field offices in Cebu City, Davao City, Cagayan de Oro City, Zamboanga, and Bacolod City. In the future, the agency intends to create similar offices in other parts of the country.