TikTok to suspend gambling ads in the Philippines
The move comes amid pressure for stricter controls on online gambling in the Philippines.
The Philippines.- TikTok will stop allowing real-money gambling (RMG) advertisements in the Philippines starting from August 22, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has said. According to DICT Secretary Henry Aguda, the platform’s decision was made voluntarily in line with president Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call to create a safer digital space for Filipinos.
Although it’s not clear how long the suspension will last, Aguda said the move marks an important step in protecting the public, especially young people. “It is significant for global platforms like TikTok to support the government’s digital safety efforts,” he said.
TikTok said its advertising rules already include strict conditions for gambling-related content. Ads are only allowed for licensed operators, require written approval from the company and must target users aged 25 and above.
However, there is growing pressure for stricter controls on online gambling in the Philippines. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas recently ordered financial institutions to remove links to online gambling from their apps. The DICT has also raised concerns about messaging and online shopping platforms hosting or promoting gambling content.
