Philippines Senator Files Bill To Ban Gambling Ads

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This comes a few months after PAGCOR replaced existing responsible gambling ads with promotions for the National Problem Gambling Helpline

Philippine suggests gambling advertisement ban

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero has filed a bill that would outlaw gambling advertisements and sponsorships across television, radio, print, online and social media. 

In the measure’s explanatory note on Friday, Escudero said: “It’s about time that we regulate the gambling industry the same way we regulated tobacco two decades ago.” 

What’s In the Act?

The proposed Gambling Advertising Prohibition Act would prohibit a wide range of commercial activity related to gambling outside controlled, age-restricted environments. Key provisions include bans on:

  • Broadcast and online advertisements in public-facing channels;
  • Celebrity and influencer campaigns promoting gambling products;
  • Sponsorship of sports, concerts and cultural events by gambling operators;
  • Product placements, promotional giveaways and branded merchandise likely to appeal to people under 21.

Escudero’s bill borrows from the Tobacco Regulation Act 2003 by allowing a one-year wind-down period for existing contracts but barring new advertising and sponsorship deals during that time. 

Penalties for non-compliance range from fines up to PHP500,000 ($8,160) and imprisonment of up to three years to revocation of business permits or licences.

Ads Replaced with Helpline Promotion

The Philippine regulator PAGCOR told gaming operators to replace existing responsible gambling ads with materials promoting the new National Problem Gambling Helpline earlier this year. 

PAGCOR said the helpline promotion will not need approval from the Ad Standards Council; instead, the agency will issue an exemption certificate directly. Non-compliance could trigger regulatory sanctions, though PAGCOR has not spelled out the penalties.