PAGCOR orders gambling billboard takedown, limits TV ads
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has directed all licensed online gambling operators, suppliers, and administrators to remove their out-of-home (OOH) advertisements by 15 August. The order was issued through a memorandum signed by PAGCOR officials Jeremy Luglug and Ma. Vina Claudette Oca.
This move marks the regulator’s response to mounting concerns from church leaders and legislators who have criticised the widespread promotion of e-gambling in the Philippines, warning of its potential role in encouraging addiction and financial instability, particularly among low-income communities.
PAGCOR’s directive includes the removal of billboards and other outdoor promotional materials related to electronic gambling. It is the first coordinated step by the agency to reduce the public exposure of such platforms visibly.
New ad guidelines underway
According to local media reports, a representative from PAGCOR said the agency is drafting formal advertising rules aimed at regulating how and where electronic gambling can be promoted. These guidelines will apply to both physical and broadcast platforms.
PAGCOR stated that the regulatory framework is being developed in partnership with the Ad Standards Council (ASC), a private self-regulatory body that oversees advertising content in the Philippines. The two entities are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding on 16 July to formalise the ASC’s role in monitoring compliance.
The upcoming rules will prohibit gambling ads near sensitive areas, including churches, schools, and hospitals. Billboards and posters promoting online gaming will no longer be allowed in these locations, regardless of whether they encourage licensed platforms.
Broadcast restrictions also planned
The regulatory body is also moving to restrict the airing of commercials related to gambling on television. Local media reported that the new guidelines are expected to prohibit such ads during prime-time slots to reduce the exposure of gambling content to the public, including minors.
The regulation of gambling ads on television has become a growing concern in recent months as more operators have turned to TV to expand their reach.
PAGCOR opposes outright iGaming ban
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco earlier said in a local radio interview that while the agency recognises the need to address concerns, a complete ban would harm employment and government revenues. Tengco shared that the agency generated over PHP100 billion ($1.8 billion) in online gambling-related income, with half of last year’s PHP84.97 billion ($1.5 billion) net earnings coming from e-games and e-bingo.
The PAGCOR Chairman warned that a ban would affect not only 32,000 direct industry jobs but also ancillary services such as transportation, food, and security. He also noted that foreign-based illegal operators are undermining the industry by targeting Filipino consumers.
Fintech sector and central bank respond
The move by PAGCOR follows an earlier announcement from the Fintech Alliance Philippines, the country’s largest association of digital payment and e-wallet providers, stating that its members will implement tighter internal safeguards to restrict excessive access to online gambling platforms.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the Philippines central bank, has also indicated that it will issue its own set of policies to address concerns over financial services being used to facilitate gambling-related transactions.
