Philippine senator proposes total gambling advertising ban

Senator Francis Escudero has introduced Senate Bill 2347, which would impose a comprehensive ban on gambling advertising across television, radio, print, online platforms and social media in the Philippines. The proposal also covers celebrity endorsements and influencer marketing campaigns.

Escudero argued that gambling advertising should be treated like tobacco advertising, which has been restricted in the country since 2008, saying it is "about time" for a similar approach. The bill is intended to "foster a more responsible gaming environment," protect minors and vulnerable individuals, promote informed consumer choice and advance the public interest, according to the senator.

Operators that breach the proposed rules would face fines of up to P500,000 and prison sentences of up to three years.

Regulatory context

The country's gaming regulator, PAGCOR, has already taken steps to limit gambling ads by imposing a primetime TV and radio blackout between 5.30pm and 8.30pm. PAGCOR chair and CEO Alejandro Tengco has also told senators that the regulator is studying the possibility of a full advertising ban similar to Escudero's proposal.

A blanket ad ban would add further pressure to a market already affected by economic uncertainty linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. PAGCOR recently reported a 27% drop in first-half revenue to P38.9bn (£472.3m), with iGaming revenue falling 41.85%.

Little progress on previous bill

The industry may take some comfort, however, from the slow progress of previous attempts to tighten gambling rules. Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri's Anti-Online Gambling Act of 2025, which sought an outright ban on online gambling, has been stuck in committee since 30 July 2025. Zubiri has described gambling addiction as a "silent epidemic" and a "social cancer that will continue to fester," but the bill was not listed as a priority by President Ferdinand Marcos when the Senate's leadership was reorganised in May.