The proposals, which aim to curb gambling addiction and protect younger people, would prohibit ads across TV, radio, print, online and social media.
The Philippines’ embattled gambling industry could be struck another blow if a proposed blanket advertising ban is approved by lawmakers.
Senator Francis Escudero has called for a complete ad blackout of the industry to curb gambling addiction and the exposure of minors to such activity.
He cited a similar ban on tobacco products, which has been in place since 2008. Escudero said “it’s about time” gambling got the same treatment.
“This measure seeks to foster a more responsible gaming environment that protects minors and similarly vulnerable persons, promotes informed consumer choice, and advances public interest.”
Under Senate Bill 2347, gambling advertising would be banned across TV, radio, print, online and social media. Celebrity endorsements and influencer campaigns would also be prohibited under the proposed rules.
Penalties for contravening the mandate would be fines of up to P500,000 and imprisonment of up to three years.
The extent of gambling advertising has already been a focus of the country’s gaming regulator, PAGCOR, which implemented a TV and radio ad blackout during ‘primetime’ – between 5.30pm and 8.30pm.
PAGCOR’s chair and chief executive officer, Alejandro Tengco, also told senators the body is exploring the possibility of a complete ban on gambling advertising in a similar style that is now proposed by Escudero.
A complete ban on advertising would have a significant impact on a market that is already facing significant headwinds largely by the economic effects of geopolitical tension in the Middle East.
Earlier this week, PAGCOR reported a revenue decline of 27% to P38.9bn (£472.3m) in the first half of the year compared to 2025, largely driven by a 41.85% fall in revenue from igaming to P38.9bn (£472.3m).
Though a major concern, the industry will be able to take some heart from what appears to be a lack of desire from lawmakers to enact major changes to gambling legislation.
Last year, the industry was rocked by the Anti-Online Gambling Act of 2025, which was filed by senator Juan Miguel Zubiri and called for an outright ban on online gambling.
Zubiri described the gambling addiction in the Philippines as a growing “silent epidemic” and a “social cancer that will continue to fester”.
Despite being filed over a year ago, the bill has made little progress and has been pending in committee since 30 July 2025. The bill was also not earmarked as a priority by President Ferdinand Marcos when the Senate’s new leadership was established in May.
This story was first published on Affiliate Leaders’ sister title, iGaming Expert.
