The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has announced a significant policy change that mandates the removal of all gambling-related advertisements from public spaces and transit systems across the Philippines. This directive, issued through a memorandum on July 7, requires all gambling-related billboards, transit ads, and similar promotions to be taken down by August 15, 2025. The move is part of PAGCOR’s ongoing efforts to control gambling exposure and reduce its potential negative impact, especially on younger and vulnerable populations.
PAGCOR’s Response to Growing Concerns Over Gambling Promotions
The decision comes amid growing concerns regarding the accessibility and visibility of gambling promotions, particularly in areas where they could influence at-risk groups. PAGCOR’s Chairman and CEO, Alejandro H. Tengco, emphasized the agency’s responsibility to regulate the industry and protect public welfare. He stated that all future advertisements related to gambling would be restricted to institutional or responsible gaming campaigns, and these ads will only be allowed with prior approval from PAGCOR.
While acknowledging the role of the gaming industry in generating national revenue, Tengco underscored the importance of maintaining a balance and not encouraging a culture of gambling addiction.
Required Inventory for PAGCOR Compliance
To ensure full compliance with this new directive, PAGCOR has instructed all involved stakeholders—licensees, operators, suppliers, and system administrators—to submit a detailed inventory of their current gambling-related ads by July 16. The inventory must include specifics such as the ad’s size, materials, location, the expiration of rental contracts, and the corresponding permit numbers issued by the Ad Standards Council (ASC).
This sweeping policy targets a wide range of out-of-home (OOH) advertising, including ads displayed on public transport systems like trains, buses, jeepneys, and taxis. PAGCOR has made it clear that any attempt to replace the removed advertisements with new gambling promotions will not be tolerated. Failure to comply with these regulations will result in enforcement actions, as deemed necessary by the agency.
Addressing Social Concerns and Public Pressure
The new policy is seen as a direct response to the increasing pressure from lawmakers and religious groups who have raised alarms over the impact of gambling advertising, particularly targeting low-income communities. Critics argue that these aggressive marketing tactics contribute to the rise of gambling addiction and financial distress among vulnerable populations.
PAGCOR’s move represents a key step toward addressing these concerns, especially as online gambling platforms continue to grow and become more visible in the public sphere. This crackdown is viewed as the regulator’s first major initiative to curb the overexposure of gambling promotions and ensure that vulnerable sectors, such as the youth, are protected from harmful influences.
New Rules for Future Advertising in Development
PAGCOR is currently working on new guidelines that will govern the placement and content of gambling advertisements in public spaces moving forward. These rules are being developed in collaboration with the Ad Standards Council (ASC) and are expected to include zoning restrictions, such as prohibiting gambling-related ads near sensitive locations like schools, churches, and hospitals.
Furthermore, PAGCOR plans to extend its advertising regulations to include television, with proposals to prohibit gambling promotions during prime-time television hours. The new regulatory framework is expected to be finalized soon, with a memorandum of understanding between PAGCOR and the ASC set to be signed on July 16.
Industry Self-Regulation and Financial Oversight
Alongside PAGCOR’s initiatives, the Fintech Alliance Philippines—a coalition of the country’s leading e-wallet and digital payment providers- has committed to strengthening internal controls to limit access to online gambling. Additionally, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the Philippines’ central bank, is set to release its own regulations aimed at addressing the financial aspects of online gambling.
With multiple regulatory bodies stepping up their oversight efforts, the Philippines is entering a new phase of gambling regulation. For PAGCOR, the priority is clear: ensuring the welfare of the public, particularly youth and economically vulnerable groups, takes precedence over marketing and commercial growth.
Source:
“PAGCOR Orders Complete Take Down of Gambling Billboards and Transit Ads“, realmoneyaction.com, July 14, 2025.
