Is It Even Legal to Advertise Gambling in the Philippines?
Your favorite stars are now the face of gambling ads.
(SPOT.ph) You've probably noticed it too—more and more celebrities are popping up in gambling advertisements for flashy online casinos or lowkey betting platforms. With big names like Maine Mendoza, Nadine Lustre, and Piolo Pascual backing these campaigns, we can't help but wonder: Is advertising gambling even allowed in the Philippines?
It turns out it is—but the rules can be a little strict.
As the regulatory authority for gaming operations, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has established a Code of Practice that outlines guidelines for responsible gaming, with one entire section focused on just advertisements.
“Advertising materials placed in any media published in the Philippines must be socially responsible. Said materials must not portray, encourage or condone gambling behavior that is socially irresponsible or could lead to financial harm,” the Code of Practice reads.
No-nos in gambling advertisements
So what exactly are off-limits in gambling advertisements? This includes any content that targets minors, explicitly or indirectly, by using imagery, language, or themes that might appeal to individuals under 21.
Ads must also avoid misleading claims about the odds of winning, guarantees of prizes, or exaggerating the potential benefits of gambling. Messaging that portrays gambling as a solution to financial problems or as a reliable way to make money is strictly banned.
Last but not least, advertisements must not encourage the idea that skill or talent can alter the outcomes of gambling activities. Instead, they should frame gambling as purely for entertainment and leisure.
The Ad Standards Council (ASC) is tasked to enforce these ethical guidelines. Part of the job is to make sure no gambling-related advertisements are located within a 200-meter radius from schools and churches, as this is also prohibited under the Code of Practice.
Also read: Did You Know That the New PAGCOR Logo is Worth P3 Million?
Should gambling advertisements be banned?
The call for stricter regulations on gambling advertisements has been growing louder in recent months.
Last July, PAGCOR raised alarms over the “rapid growth of illegal casinos through social media,” citing Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube as hotspots where minors can easily stumble upon them. Senator Lito Lapid has been particularly vocal about the issue.
"Kung ang kabataan ay nakalulusot sa paglalaro sa online gaming, papaano natin sila palalakihin ng maayos at may moralidad sa buhay. Nakalulungkot na masisira ang pagpapahalaga ng ating kabataan sa masamang bisyong ito at posibleng maitaya pa nila ang konting baon sa eskwela. Ang masaklap pa nito, baka maging mitsa ito ng pang-uumit sa kanilang mga magulang at matuto na rin silang magnakaw,” Lapid said in a press release.
Advocacy groups are also pushing for tougher measures. Research firm Capstone-Intel Corporation suggested a total ban on gambling advertisements, like what is currently in place for tobacco advertisements and sponsorships under Republic Act No. 9211, which has been in effect since 2003.
In fact, a similar recommendation is already passing through Congress. Senator Robin Padilla filed Senate Bill No. 2602 in March, hoping to ban online gambling advertisements entirely. The proposed legislation seeks to "lessen, if not all eliminate, the exposure and impact of gambling to the general public,” with violators facing fines up to P500,000 and imprisonment of up to three years.
Will this be enough to end flashy endorsements? Lawmakers are betting on it.
Also read: Regulatory Board Warns About Foreign-Owned Live Streaming Apps Tied to Illegal Gambling