Cebu City has banned all billboards, digital and online ads promoting gambling.
According to The Manila Times, the Cebu City Council approved the citywide ban, passing the measure during a City Council session on Wednesday.
The measure covers physical billboards, posters, LED screen displays, online and digital ads, sponsored events and other promotional activities by gambling operators.
The resolution indicates that the ban is based on evidence that gambling advertisements ‘significantly contribute to gambling addiction, financial hardship, and other social issues’.
City officials claim the presence of gambling adverts normalizes such behavior, leading to a surge in online gambling due to digital media, social networks and sponsored community events.
The ban’s enforcement will be coordinated between the police, Legal Office, Business Process and Licensing Office and other departments.
It comes after a July 2025 resolution directing government offices to block access to online gambling sites and VPN applications on public networks.
Cebu City is the latest region to ban gambling advertisements, amongst a nationwide effort to safeguard citizens from possible gambling addiction or gambling-related harm.
Earlier this month, Pasig City imposed a similar ban, citing rising cases of gambling addiction and financial distress.
