Philippines' Baguio City proposes iGaming reporting portal
The Baguio City government is stepping up efforts to curb online gambling through a proposed ordinance that would create a digital reporting portal, ban gambling promotions in public spaces, and tighten oversight of gambling-related activities. The measure, which has passed the second reading in the city council, comes as local officials respond to growing public concern over the spread of online gambling and follows broader national efforts to strengthen responsible gaming measures across the Philippines.
Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan said the proposed ordinance would establish an online reporting system that would allow residents to report illegal gambling websites, mobile applications, and social media accounts to authorities.
“The proposed ordinance calls for the establishment of a digital reporting system where residents can report illegal gambling websites, mobile applications and social media accounts for appropriate action by the different national government agencies,” Olowan said, as quoted by the state media, Philippine News Agency (PNA).
Based on the proposal, reports submitted through the platform would be forwarded to agencies including the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC). The city also plans to coordinate with internet service providers and electronic payment platforms to help detect and prevent illegal gambling transactions. If enacted, the ordinance would prohibit online gambling operations, gambling advertisements in public areas, and gambling-related sponsorships within the city.
The proposal extends to online casinos, e-games, online sabong, e-bingo outlets, online poker, Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), computer gaming stations and support entities that facilitate such operations. Outdoor gambling advertisements, including billboards, posters, LED displays, transit advertisements and flyers, would no longer be permitted. Advertising would instead be limited to the premises of licensed gaming establishments.
The ordinance would also ban gambling branding and promotional activities in schools, universities, parks, churches, sports facilities and designated child-friendly zones. Educational institutions, student dormitories and similar facilities would be declared gambling-free zones.
While the measure imposes tighter restrictions on gambling promotions, it also regulates bingo activities, which the country’s Supreme Court has recognised as legitimate fundraising mechanisms for village organisations.
National focus shifts to responsible gambling
In June, PAGCOR ordered all licensed gaming operators, suppliers and related stakeholders to replace existing responsible gaming advertisements with promotional materials for the country’s newly launched 24/7 National Problem Gambling Helpline.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco said the initiative aims to ensure that support services are more visible to those who need them. “Responsible gaming goes beyond awareness. It also means ensuring that help is readily available to those who need it most,” Tengco said.
Under the directive, gaming operators must replace existing responsible gaming advertisements on billboards, wallscapes and digital displays with National Problem Gambling Helpline campaign materials.
The campaign follows the launch of the helpline in May, a joint initiative between PAGCOR and Seagulls Flock Organization Inc. The 24-hour service offers confidential counselling, treatment referrals and support for individuals experiencing gambling-related problems, as well as assistance for affected family members.
PAGCOR has steadily expanded its responsible gaming agenda. In July 2025, PAGCOR ordered the removal of gambling billboards and other out-of-home gambling advertisements nationwide as part of tighter controls on gaming promotions in public spaces.
Growing market raises need for stronger safeguards
The Baguio proposal also comes as the Philippine online gaming market continues to expand. According to the SiGMA Asia Market Report 2026, based on market intelligence from Blask covering April 2025 to March 2026, the Philippines remains Asia’s leading regulated online gaming market.
The report said the country recorded a monthly gaming revenue peak of more than $1 billion during the period and described the Philippines as the region’s “regulated powerhouse,” citing its young digital population, widespread English proficiency, and structured licensing framework.
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