Gambling advertisements, celebrity endorsements and sponsorships could be prohibited nationwide under a proposed law that seeks to curb excessive gambling and protect minors and other vulnerable groups by restricting the promotion of gambling across traditional and digital media.
Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero filed Senate Bill No. 2347, or the Gambling Advertising Prohibition Act, on July 26, proposing to prohibit gambling advertisements across traditional and digital media, including celebrity and influencer endorsements, sponsorships in sports, concerts and cultural events, product placements, and other promotional activities.
The measure seeks to address gambling addiction, irresponsible gaming behavior, financial distress and the growing exposure of minors to gambling-related promotions.
Escudero acknowledged the gambling industry’s P396.13 billion gross gaming revenues in 2025 but said its economic contribution should be balanced with safeguards against excessive and irresponsible gambling.
“It’s about time that we regulate the gambling industry the same way we regulated tobacco two decades ago,” Escudero said, adding that the bill would establish uniform nationwide restrictions similar to those under Republic Act No. 9211, or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003. He said the measure would also place the Ad Standards Council’s voluntary restrictions on gambling advertisements under a national legal framework.
Under the bill, gambling advertisements would be allowed only within gambling establishments and on operators’ official websites or mobile applications, subject to age-verification measures limiting access to persons aged 21 and above. The proposal would also prohibit promotional giveaways and branded merchandise associated with gambling.
The bill also requires responsible gambling advisories in authorized consumer communications, which Escudero said would help ensure the measure’s “effective implementation.”
The measure grants gambling operators, advertisers, broadcasters and online platforms one year after the law takes effect to phase out prohibited advertisements and sponsorship arrangements, subject to implementing rules.
It also directs the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and other government agencies to conduct sustained public education campaigns on responsible gambling, addiction risks, and available counseling, treatment and other support services. The private sector is likewise encouraged to support the information campaign.
Violators could face escalating penalties ranging from fines of up to P200,000 and imprisonment of up to one year for a first offense to fines of up to P500,000, imprisonment of up to three years, and revocation of business permits and licenses for a third offense.
The bill further provides that responsible officers of corporate violators may be held liable if they participated in or, through gross negligence, allowed the violation. Foreign offenders, meanwhile, may be deported after serving the penalties imposed under the proposed law.
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