The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
In a move to curb excessive gambling exposure in public spaces, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has ordered the immediate removal of all billboards and out-of-home (OOH) advertisements promoting gambling.
In a memorandum issued on July 7, PAGCOR directed all licensees, suppliers, system administrators, and gaming venue operators to dismantle gambling-related ad materials—including those displayed on trains, buses, jeepneys, taxis, and other public locations.
Only institutional campaigns or responsible gaming promotions that have received PAGCOR’s prior approval will be allowed moving forward.
“We have given all our licensees and stakeholders until August 15 to completely remove all gambling-related ads,” said PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco in a statement on Friday. “Before that, they must submit an inventory of their existing billboard and wallscape advertisements by July 16.”
The required inventory must include details such as ad size, materials used, location, rental contract expiration, and the corresponding Ad Standards Council (ASC) permit number.
Tengco emphasized that while PAGCOR is mandated to regulate gaming and generate revenue for nation-building, it remains firm in its stance against promoting a culture of gambling addiction.
“Regulating excessive and pervasive gambling advertisements is a critical step in protecting vulnerable sectors of society, especially the youth,” he said.
PAGCOR also warned against replacing dismantled materials with new gambling ads, stressing that any violations of the directive will be met with appropriate sanctions.