The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has taken decisive action to reinforce responsible gaming. It ordered all licensed online gaming operators to immediately remove gambling-related billboards and out-of-home (OOH) advertisements. This directive targets both digital and static ads placed on public transport, buildings, highways, and other high-traffic areas.
To enforce the order, PAGCOR requires licensees, service providers, gaming venue operators, and system providers to submit a complete inventory of all current OOH ads by July 16, 2025. They must then remove all such ads by August 15, 2025. After this deadline, PAGCOR will only allow new placements that promote institutional or responsible gambling content—and only with prior approval.
Moving forward, PAGCOR plans to roll out new advertising guidelines in collaboration with the Ad Standards Council (ASC). These updated rules will prohibit gambling ads near schools, churches, hospitals, and other sensitive areas. They will also ban gambling promotions from airing during prime-time television hours. PAGCOR and ASC expect to finalize their partnership within the month.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco affirmed the agency’s goal to create a safer and more accountable gaming environment. He underscored PAGCOR’s commitment to protecting minors and vulnerable communities from excessive exposure to gambling ads and curbing the risks of gambling addiction.
While the move reflects a firmer regulatory stance, Tengco clarified that PAGCOR does not intend to impose a total advertising ban. He instead highlighted the economic benefits of the regulated gaming sector, such as employment opportunities and tax revenue. According to Tengco, a blanket ban could drive operators underground, making the industry harder to regulate.
At the same time, lawmakers in Congress continue to discuss broader consumer safeguards. Proposals include stricter rules on e-wallet usage for online gambling. In response, fintech organizations have pledged to tighten internal controls, aiming to limit unauthorized access to online gambling platforms.
