The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has issued a directive to all licensed gambling operators and related entities, ordering the removal of all gambling-related billboards and out-of-home (OOH) advertisements by August 15. This move is part of a broader initiative to regulate gambling-related promotions and curb excessive marketing in public spaces.

Stricter regulations and the need for transparency:

In a statement released on July 11, PAGCOR emphasized that the removal of gambling advertisements, which includes those displayed on trains, buses, jeepneys, and taxis, must be completed within the next month. The agency’s memorandum, issued on July 7, mandates that all operators, system administrators, suppliers, and gaming venue operators comply with the new directive.

PAGCOR has clarified that, moving forward, only ads promoting responsible gaming campaigns will be allowed, and these must be subject to the Commission’s approval. Alejandro Tengco, PAGCOR’s Chairman and CEO, stressed that this move is aimed at protecting vulnerable sectors, especially the youth, from the harmful effects of gambling addiction.

The crackdown on gambling ads follows increasing concerns from religious groups, lawmakers, and public health advocates who have raised alarms about the normalization of gambling in the Philippines. Many critics have argued that the pervasive nature of gambling advertisements in public spaces has contributed to a rise in addiction and financial hardship among Filipinos, particularly the youth.

Tengco underscored that while PAGCOR is tasked with regulating the gaming industry and generating revenue for nation-building, the organization is also deeply committed to avoiding any promotion that could foster a culture of gambling addiction. “Regulating excessive and pervasive gambling advertisements is a critical step in protecting vulnerable sectors of society, especially the youth,” said Tengco in the statement, as reported by the Philippine News Agency.

The new policy also includes a requirement for all stakeholders to submit an inventory of their existing gambling advertisements by July 16. This inventory must detail the size, material, location, rental contract expiration, and permit numbers from the Ad Standards Council (ASC). Tengco highlighted that failing to comply with these guidelines or replacing removed advertisements with new gambling promotions would result in appropriate penalties.

Ongoing efforts to tackle online gambling advertising:

While this focus is primarily on physical gambling ads, PAGCOR is also looking to tighten regulations around online gambling advertising. In a related move, PAGCOR is preparing to formalize its partnership with the Ad Standards Council (ASC), aiming to establish a comprehensive set of guidelines for gambling ads on television, billboards, and digital platforms. The two entities plan to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on July 16 to solidify this collaboration.

Further regulations are being developed to curb gambling ads on emerging platforms like e-wallets and ride-hailing apps, which have increasingly become channels for such promotions. PAGCOR is also monitoring the rise of digital payment systems and the role they play in facilitating online gambling.

The move by PAGCOR has been met with support from lawmakers, including Senator JV Ejercito, who has been an advocate for stricter regulation of online gambling. He called the decision a “victory” for public welfare, particularly for the protection of young people from the harmful effects of gambling.

“This is an important step to protect the public, especially the youth, against the normalization and acceptance of gambling in our communities,” said Ejercito. He also expressed hope that this move would pave the way for further tightening of regulations around online gambling.

PAGCOR’s regulatory actions come amid growing discussions about the future of online gambling in the Philippines. Legislative bodies have proposed several bills to impose stricter regulations, including the introduction of a 10% tax on online gambling, restrictions on e-wallet use, and higher minimum betting limits. However, there are also voices calling for a complete ban on online gambling, a stance PAGCOR believes will not effectively address the issue of illegal gambling operators.