Escudero wants ban on gambling ads, endorsements

MANILA, Philippines — All gambling-related advertisements and sponsorships are being targeted for a nationwide ban under a bill filed at the Senate.

Sen. Francis Escudero filed Senate Bill 2347 which aims to ban gambling promotions across television, radio, print, online and social media platforms – completely barring celebrity endorsements and influencer campaigns.

The measure mirrors the sweeping advertising restrictions imposed on the tobacco industry in 2003.

“It’s about time that we regulate the gambling industry the same way we regulated tobacco two decades ago,” Escudero said, warning against the dangers of youth-targeted promotions.

While acknowledging the industry’s economic contributions – including a record P396.13-billion revenue in Fiscal Year 2025 – the senator stressed that the rapid expansion of sophisticated gambling ads poses “significant public mental and physical well-being and socioeconomic concerns.”

The bill seeks to institutionalize a recent voluntary self-regulation circular by the Ad Standards Council that bans gambling imagery.

Doing so, Escudero noted, will place the restrictions “under a national legal framework, ensuring uniform enforcement and preventing gaps in regulation.”

The measure provides a one-year transition period for operators to phase out existing promotional materials.

Once fully enforced, violators will face escalating penalties starting with a fine of up to P200,000 and a maximum of one year in prison for the first offense.

A second offense carries up to a P300,000 fine and two years of imprisonment. Meanwhile, a third offense warrants a fine of up to P500,000, a maximum of three years behind bars and the revocation of business licenses.

Liable foreigners will also face deportation.

Defending the strict sanctions as a necessary deterrent to protect public welfare, Escudero said the bill ultimately seeks to “foster a more responsible gaming environment, protect minors and vulnerable persons, promote informed consumer choice and advance public interest.”

The measure also mandates a government-led educational campaign on responsible gambling and mental health support.

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