Philippine regulator, ad council strenghten rules around gambling ads

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp and Ad Standards Council will partner on a campaign to promote responsible gambling.

PAGCOR CEO Alejandro Tengco and ASC Chairwoman Golda Roldan signed a memorandum of understanding Wednesday formalising the collaboration.

Philippines gambling ads now on ‘must-screen’ list

The agreement adds gambling commercials to ASC’s “must-screen” classification. The category also includes ads for alcohol, some OTC medications, food supplements and other products.

“Almost a year ago, we began initial talks about this initiative,” said Tengco at a ceremony at PAGCOR headquarters. “Today, we are gathered here to formally sign this agreement so that we can immediately execute everything we committed to in this memorandum of understanding.”

Under the MOU, all branded or corporate gambling ads — for TV, radio, online and outdoor — must be vetted and approved by the ASC before going public. According to the Philippine News Agency, the additional scrutiny will help “curb misleading content and protect vulnerable groups from potential harm”.

“We stand with PAGCOR in our shared goal of protecting the Filipino people,” Roldan said. “Especially in sectors like gambling where communication requires greater sensitivity and care.”

Ads also pulled from public transportation

On 7 July, PAGCOR ordered the removal of all gambling billboards and posters on public transportation including buses, taxis and trains.

“Regulating excessive and pervasive gambling advertisements is a critical step in protecting vulnerable sectors of society, especially youth,” Tengco said. PAGCOR will only approve advertisements or campaigns that promote “institutional or responsible gaming”, he added.

“We have given all our licensees and stakeholders until August 15 to completely remove all gambling-related ads.”