Philippine senator Escudero reiterates call for nationwide gambling ad ban on podcast
Escudero said existing gambling advertising guidelines issued by the Ad Standards Council are not enough.
The Philippines.- Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero has reiterated his call for legislation that would prohibit gambling advertisements, sponsorships and promotional campaigns across the Philippines. Speaking on his “Chiz Wiz! Usapang May Laman” podcast on Sunday, August 16, Escudero said gambling has become increasingly accessible, making it harder for people, including minors, to avoid exposure to betting products.
Escudero’s pending Senate Bill No. 2347 would ban gambling promotions across traditional and digital media, with provisions addressing sponsorships, celebrity and influencer endorsements, and betting incentives.
Escudero said existing voluntary gambling advertising guidelines issued by the Ad Standards Council are not enough. He pointed to tobacco regulation as a possible model, citing the Philippines’ Republic Act No. 9211, which introduced restrictions on cigarette advertising and other tobacco-related promotions.
He also cited gambling advertising controls in other countries. Spain restricts gambling advertising during certain broadcast hours and prohibits welcome bonuses, while Italy has banned gambling advertising and sports sponsorships. New Zealand prohibits affiliate marketing for online gambling, and China bans advertising for internet and real-money gambling.
The proposal drew support from anti-gambling advocate Carlo Ople and recovering compulsive gambler Darren Telan, who discussed the potential impact of gambling advertisements during Escudero’s podcast.
