Philippine lawmaker files bill to ban online gambling advertisements
House Bill 10982 seeks to prohibit online gambling advertising, promotions, endorsements and sponsorships across traditional and digital platforms.
The Philippines.- Cebu Third District Representative Karen Hope Garcia has filed House Bill 10982 seeking to ban online gambling advertisements, promotions, endorsements and sponsorships in the Philippines. The proposed Online Gambling Advertising Prohibition Act of 2026 was filed on August 26 and is currently pending first reading.
The proposed legislation would prohibit online gambling advertising across television, radio, print media and billboards, as well as social media platforms, websites and mobile applications. The ban would also cover search engine advertising, targeted digital campaigns, influencer and affiliate marketing, and promotional communications through email and text messages. Celebrities, influencers, content creators and vloggers would also be prohibited from endorsing online gambling.
Garcia said the proposal aims to protect Filipino families from the growing accessibility of online gambling. The bill would not cover licensed land-based gambling, including casinos, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office lotteries and sweepstakes, horse racing and licensed cockpits.
HB 10982 would also introduce stricter age and identity verification requirements for online gambling accounts. The proposed legislation would establish penalties for violations, including fines ranging from PHP500,000 to PHP10 million, cancellation of licences and imprisonment of up to three years.
Public figures who endorse online gambling could also be required to return payments received and could be barred from gambling endorsements for between three and five years. Platforms, media companies, advertising technology firms and other entities violating the proposed rules could face additional fines and possible licence revocation.
Garcia pointed to the growth of the Philippines’ electronic and online gaming segment as part of the rationale for the proposal. Senate president Francis “Chiz” Escudero has also proposed a ban on gambling advertising in Senate Bill No. 2347.
