Philippine senator files bill to ban gambling advertisements and sponsorships
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s proposal seeks to prohibit gambling promotions across traditional and digital media.
The Philippines.- Philippine Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero has filed Senate Bill No. 2347, proposing a nationwide ban on gambling advertisements and sponsorships. He’s framed the proposal as an effort to curb excessive and irresponsible gambling behaviour and protect minors and other vulnerable groups.
Escudero says the measure would mirror the country’s approach to tobacco regulation. The Republic Act 9211, or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, imposed restrictions on tobacco advertising across print, broadcast, electronic and outdoor media.
“It’s about time that we regulate the gambling industry the same way we regulated tobacco two decades ago,” Escudero said upon filing the bill.
Under SB 2347, gambling advertisements would be prohibited on television, radio, print, online and social media platforms. The proposed legislation would also ban celebrity endorsements and influencer campaigns, while requiring responsible gambling messages in authorised consumer communications.
Escudero said the proposal builds on recent self-regulatory efforts by the Ad Standards Council (ASC), which issued a circular requiring its members to prohibit gambling imagery and paraphernalia across media platforms.
“My bill shall institutionalise this effort by placing the restrictions under a national legal framework, ensuring uniform enforcement and preventing gaps in regulation,” he said.
“The growing visibility of gambling-related services presents significant public mental and physical well-being and socioeconomic concerns, particularly with respect to undue exposure, excessive, compulsive, and irresponsible gambling behaviour,” he added.
The legislation proposes a one-year transition period following its enactment, allowing operators and advertisers to phase out existing promotional materials and align with the new regulatory requirements. Violations would carry escalating penalties, beginning with fines of up to PHP200,000 or imprisonment of up to one year for a first offence.
Repeat violations could result in higher fines, longer prison terms and, for a third offence, the revocation of business permits or licences. Corporate officers and foreign nationals found liable would face additional sanctions, including deportation.
SB 2347 also mandates education and awareness campaigns on responsible gambling, mental health support and consumer protection programs, with government agencies tasked with developing sustained public information initiatives.
