The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has rolled out a sweeping directive requiring the immediate removal of all gambling-related outdoor and transit advertisements throughout the country. The move, announced through a memorandum issued on July 7, sets a compliance deadline of August 15 for all involved stakeholders, including licensees, suppliers, and operators.
According to PAGCOR, this action stems from growing concerns about the widespread visibility of gambling promotions, particularly their potential influence on young and vulnerable populations. Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco emphasized that future advertisements will be strictly limited to institutional or responsible gaming campaigns—and even those must receive prior approval from the agency.
“While we regulate the industry to help generate national revenues, we must also ensure that we do not foster a culture of gambling addiction,” Tengco stated in a press release.
Inventory Required by Mid-July
To ensure full enforcement of the order, PAGCOR has instructed all gaming-related entities to submit a detailed inventory of their current billboard and wallscape advertisements by July 16. The inventory must outline specifics such as ad size, materials used, location, rental contract end dates, and the relevant permit numbers issued by the Ad Standards Council (ASC).
The directive covers a broad range of out-of-home (OOH) advertising, including displays on public transport 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. Violators of the policy will face enforcement action as deemed appropriate by the regulator.
Response to Public Pressure and Social Concerns
This decision marks a significant shift in PAGCOR’s approach to advertising oversight and appears to respond directly to criticisms voiced by lawmakers and religious leaders. Many of these voices have expressed alarm over the accessibility of online gambling and the aggressive marketing campaigns that target lower-income communities. Critics have warned that such exposure contributes to rising cases of addiction and financial distress.
PAGCOR’s crackdown represents its first major initiative to address these concerns, especially as online gambling platforms continue to grow in popularity and visibility.
New Advertising Rules on the Horizon
As part of its broader regulatory initiative, PAGCOR is in the process of finalizing new guidelines that will govern the placement and content of OOH gambling advertisements. These upcoming rules will be established in coordination with the Ad Standards Council, which is responsible for reviewing ad content across media platforms.
The new regulatory framework is expected to introduce zoning restrictions, such as banning gambling-related ads near churches, schools, and hospitals. It will also extend to TV advertising, with plans to prohibit gambling promotions during prime-time viewing hours.
A memorandum of understanding between PAGCOR and the ASC is set to be signed on July 16, formally launching this new phase of regulatory enforcement.
Industry Self-Regulation Also Underway
In parallel with PAGCOR’s initiatives, the Fintech Alliance Philippines—comprising the country’s leading e-wallet and digital payment providers—has pledged to introduce tighter internal controls to restrict access to online gambling. This announcement came just one day prior to PAGCOR’s own memorandum.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the country’s central bank, has also indicated it will soon release its own set of rules to address the financial dimensions of online gambling.
With multiple regulatory bodies now stepping up oversight, the Philippines is entering a more stringent phase of gambling regulation. For PAGCOR, the message is clear: public welfare, especially the safeguarding of youth and economically vulnerable groups, takes precedence over marketing expansion.
Source:
‘’PAGCOR orders takedown of gambling billboards’’, pna.gov.ph, July 11, 2025.
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