In an effort to protect customers from excessive gambling and harm, the government-owned casino operator and gaming regulatory body, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), announced new regulations for gambling-related promotions in public spaces.
Removing excessive gambling ads seeks to protect the youth and vulnerable individuals
Late last week, PAGCOR confirmed that all licensees, operators of gambling venues, system administrators and gaming suppliers were notified to remove all gambling ad materials and promotions displayed in public spaces.
Notably, the takedown of gambling advertisements affects not only billboards but also any type of ad promoted via taxis, buses, trains, as well as public utility vehicles, also known as jeepneys.
Per the changes, PAGCOR would have to approve any type of gambling advertisement or responsible gambling campaign.
As explained by Alejandro Tengco, PAGCOR's chair and CEO, the regulation of "excessive and pervasive gambling advertisements is a critical step in protecting vulnerable sectors of society, especially the youth."
Moreover, the executive pointed out: "While PAGCOR is mandated to regulate the gaming industry and generate revenues for nation-building, we do not want to encourage a culture of gambling addiction."
The latest announcement comes at a time when illegal online gambling continues to expand in the Philippines.
In a recent interview, Tengco spoke about the impact of offshore gambling firms, warning that they are responsible for approximately 50% of the iGaming market.
Only recently, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri proposed a blanket ban on online gambling in the country.
Despite the proposal, PAGCOR's chair and CEO acknowledged that such prohibition would negatively impact consumers and, at the same time, reaffirmed PAGCOR's dedication to addressing such issues.
Deadline to remove all gambling-related ads is August 15, 2025
According to the latest announcement, gambling operators will have until mid-August to remove all gambling-related ads.
In the words of Tengco: "We have given all our licensees and stakeholders until August 15 to completely remove all gambling-related ads."
What's more, the executive pointed out: "Prior to that, stakeholders must also submit an inventory of their existing billboard and wallscape advertisements by July 16."
It is too soon to tell how the takedown of gambling billboards and other marketing materials would impact on the sector and whether or not it will decrease the share of the black market or gambling harm.
Still, illegal gambling isn't an issue restricted to the Philippines, as such activities are widely spread across Eastern Asia and other parts of the world where criminal syndicates would launder money or accumulate millions of dollars from illegal gambling.
