Philippines’ Pasig City imposes total ban on gambling ads
Pasig City, a densely populated district on the eastern edge of the Philippines’ capital Manila, has approved a sweeping ban on all gambling advertisements and promotions in public spaces, marking one of the strictest local advertising controls in the Philippines to date.
The directive was confirmed through Ordinance No. 26, which prohibits the display, distribution, and circulation of gambling-related advertising across all public areas within the city’s jurisdiction. The ban applies to both physical and out-of-home (OOH) advertising formats and takes effect immediately.
Under the ordinance, gambling promotions are no longer allowed on billboards, posters, LED screens, building wraps, leaflets, brochures or flyers. Advertising on public transport is also prohibited, including on tricycles, pedicabs, and other public utility vehicles regulated by the local government. The restrictions extend to public utility vehicle terminals located in Pasig City, as well as those serving routes that pass through the area.
No outdoor promotions allowed
The ordinance states that gambling advertising may now only be displayed inside the physical premises of licenced casinos and betting outlets, limiting exposure strictly to individuals who actively choose to enter such venues.
The new rules also place limits on event sponsorship in Pasig City. Gambling companies are barred from sponsoring any government-linked educational, sports, cultural, religious or arts events. Licenced operators may still support community activities as part of their corporate social responsibility programmes, but any merchandise or donations must not include company branding or references to gambling.
Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto welcomed the move, describing it as a necessary step to protect residents from the harms associated with gambling.
In a social media post, he said he had seen “so many people whose lives are ruined because of active-play gambling games”, adding that while individuals may choose to gamble, constant advertising encourages repeat behaviour and reduces personal restraint. “It’s a different story when you’re reminded and encouraged to go back,” he said.
Directive executed after PAGCOR’s move
The city’s action comes amid broader national efforts to tighten control over gambling promotions, particularly online betting. Earlier this year, the Philippine gaming regulator PAGCOR ordered all online gambling operators nationwide to remove outdoor advertising, including billboards and wallscapes.
That directive, issued on 7 July 2025, applies to all licencees, suppliers and electronic gaming providers. Operators were given until 15 August 2025 to complete the removal and were required to submit inventories of existing advertisements by 16 July 2025.
PAGCOR chairman and chief executive Alejandro Tengco said the move was part of the regulator’s commitment to promoting a safer and more responsible gaming environment. While PAGCOR is mandated to generate state revenue, he said the agency does not want to encourage gambling addiction.
Further restrictions are likely to follow. Philippine lawmakers, led by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, has already proposed stricter controls on online gambling promotion, while major digital wallets GCash and Maya have removed links to online gaming platforms. Analysts note that Pasig City’s ban and the national regulatory push signal a clear shift in policy direction, prioritising public welfare and social protection over broad gambling visibility in everyday spaces.
Asia’s undisputed regional heavyweight lands in Manila, 01–03 June 2026. Backed by PAGCOR and powered by 16,000 delegates, SiGMA Asia delivers two levels of game-shaping influence. If you’re serious about the region, this is the room for you.
