Cebu City, Philippines, officials have approved a comprehensive ban on all forms of gambling advertisements, marking a significant tightening of local controls aimed at reducing gambling-related harm and limiting public exposure to promotional content linked to betting activities. The measure, adopted during a regular session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod on Wednesday, reflects growing concern among city leaders about addiction, financial strain, and the impact of gambling promotions on minors.

The citywide prohibition applies to every platform and format used to promote gambling, whether physical or digital. City officials described the move as part of a broader effort to safeguard public welfare and reinforce ethical standards in both public spaces and government institutions.

Broad Advertising Ban Covers Physical and Digital Platforms

The resolution, authored by Councilor Joel Garganera, bars gambling advertisements throughout Cebu City without distinction as to medium. The prohibition extends to billboards, posters, LED screen displays, printed materials, online and digital advertisements, sponsored events, and any other promotional activities carried out by gambling operators within the city’s jurisdiction.

In adopting the measure, the City Council pointed to evidence linking gambling advertising to a range of social concerns. “Gambling advertisements, both physical and digital, have been found to significantly contribute to gambling addiction, financial hardship, and other social issues that affect families and communities,” the resolution stated.

Officials also raised alarm over the increasing visibility of gambling promotions across social media platforms and community events. According to the council, this heightened exposure has helped normalize gambling behavior and has made minors more vulnerable to persuasive marketing techniques that may encourage risky habits at an early age.

Local leaders cited studies and reports indicating that online gambling activity has surged in recent years, driven in part by digital media and sponsored promotions that blur the line between entertainment and gambling. The council said restricting such content is necessary to foster a safer and healthier media environment for residents.

Enforcement Responsibilities Assigned to City Agencies

To ensure compliance, the resolution directs multiple city offices to actively monitor and remove gambling advertisements wherever they appear. Enforcement responsibilities have been assigned to the Cebu City Business Process and Licensing Office, the Cebu City Police Office, the City Legal Office, and other relevant departments.

The Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod has been authorized to distribute copies of the resolution to the Office of the Mayor, enforcement agencies, and local government units, including the Liga ng mga Barangay, to support coordinated implementation across the city.

Council members emphasized that the ban is not merely symbolic. Officials signaled that continued promotion of gambling content, even after repeated public warnings, would prompt stricter action. Councilor Paul Labra moved for the council’s position to be repeatedly communicated to media organizations, citing concerns that some platforms continue to carry gambling-related promotions despite mounting public opposition.

The advertising ban builds on earlier actions taken by the Cebu City Council to limit gambling activity within government systems and workplaces. In a previously approved resolution authored by Councilor Nyza “Nice” Archival, the council instructed the Management Information and Computer Services office to block access to online gambling websites and virtual private network applications across all Cebu City Government internet networks, including public Wi-Fi.

That earlier measure focused on preventing the misuse of government-provided internet services and reducing workplace distractions.

“There is a growing concern regarding the misuse of government-provided internet connections to access online gambling sites and applications, which may lead to issues such as addiction, financial distress, moral decay, and decreased productivity,” the earlier resolution stated, as reported by Cebu Daily News.

Archival also warned that VPNs are commonly used to bypass digital restrictions, leading the city to include VPN blocking as part of its enforcement approach.

During the same council session that approved the advertising ban, members passed a related motion urging city government employees to refrain from playing online games during office hours, particularly those connected to gambling platforms.

Cebu City officials reiterated that government employeesremain prohibited from engaging in any form of gambling, whether online or physical, during official work hours or within city premises. Violations may result in administrative sanctions under existing civil service rules, City Ordinance No. 2142, and the Cebu City Code of Ethics for Government Employees, which explicitly bars gambling-related activities during work time.

City leaders said the advertising ban, combined with tighter digital controls and workplace rules, underscores Cebu City’s position that public spaces, media channels, and government offices must remain free from activities that undermine public trust and social well-being.

Cebu City’s action follows similar steps taken elsewhere in the country. Pasig City imposed a comparable ban earlier this month, citing rising cases of gambling addiction and financial distress. With Cebu joining that list, local officials framed the measure as part of a wider effort to protect communities from gambling-related harm.