The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has ordered all licensed online gambling operators and related service providers to take down all out-of-home (OOH) advertising by August 15th, marking its first major move to address mounting public concerns over the aggressive marketing of electronic gambling.
The directive, issued through a memorandum signed by PAGCOR executives Jeremy Luglug and Ma. Vina Claudette Oca, requires “all licensees, suppliers and electronic gaming administrators and providers” to dismantle gambling-related outdoor ads.
The measure comes amid growing criticism from religious groups and lawmakers who have flagged online gambling’s role in worsening addiction and financial distress, particularly among vulnerable communities.
PAGCOR is also drafting a comprehensive set of guidelines for the advertising of electronic gambling, which will include restrictions on the location and timing of both physical and broadcast ads. The regulator is working with the Ad Standards Council (ASC), which oversees advertising content across media channels, to ensure consistent enforcement.
A memorandum of understanding between PAGCOR and the ASC is set to be signed on July 16th, formalizing the partnership and establishing the ASC’s role in screening and monitoring gaming-related advertisements. Under the forthcoming rules, gambling ads will be banned near sensitive locations such as churches, schools, and hospitals. In addition, gambling commercials will not be permitted to air during prime time television slots.
The announcement follows a separate move by the Fintech Alliance Philippines, a major industry group representing digital payment and e-wallet providers, which pledged to implement stronger internal controls to curb excessive online gambling access. Meanwhile, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has signaled that it is also preparing new policy guidelines related to the issue.
