Cebu lawmaker files bill seeking ban on online gambling ads

Cebu Third District Representative Karen Hope Garcia has filed a measure seeking to prohibit advertisements and promotional activities for online gambling across digital and traditional media.

House Bill 10982, or the proposed “Online Gambling Advertising Prohibition Act of 2026,” would prohibit gambling-related commercials and marketing materials on social media platforms, television, radio, print publications, billboards, websites and mobile applications.

The proposed legislation would also cover promotional activities carried out by social media influencers, content creators, affiliate marketers, celebrities and vloggers.

Garcia said the measure is intended to address the growing accessibility and visibility of online gambling, particularly through digital platforms that can reach users at any time.

“Nobody asked for a casino on their phone, open 24 hours a day. It got there through an ad on a livestream, a bonus code passed around on social media, a famous influencer telling our youth that the odds are in their favor,” Garcia said.

The bill would not prohibit gambling activities that are legally authorized and licensed by the government. These include casinos, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) lotteries and sweepstakes, horse racing and licensed cockpits.

Instead, the measure focuses on preventing gambling operators and their promoters from using advertisements and marketing campaigns to attract customers.

Garcia said the proposed restrictions are based on concerns over the potential social and financial consequences of excessive gambling.

The bill notes that while gambling platforms promote the possibility of winning substantial amounts of money, repeated losses may result in financial hardship and debt.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has also identified gambling as a potential public health concern. In its 2024 fact sheet on gambling, the agency described gambling as a “health-harming addictive behavior” and noted that digital gambling can contribute to gambling addiction.

Garcia’s group is seeking to limit exposure to gambling promotions as part of efforts to reduce the potential harm associated with excessive online gambling.

The lawmaker also cited the rapid growth of the country’s online gaming industry as a reason for increased regulation.

According to Garcia, online gaming operations regulated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) generated P201.12 billion in 2025. The figure surpassed revenues from land-based casinos for the first time and represented more than half of Pagcor’s total revenue of P396.14 billion for the year.

“Every peso of that growth came from an ad, a sponsorship, or an influencer post that reached someone’s son, someone’s father, someone’s breadwinner,” Garcia added.

Under the proposed law, individuals and entities found violating the advertising restrictions could face fines ranging from P500,000 to P10 million, cancellation of licenses and imprisonment of up to three years.

Public figures who endorse gambling activities could face additional penalties, including the disgorgement of payments received for endorsements and a prohibition from promoting gambling activities for three to five years.

The proposed legislation would also impose penalties on companies involved in distributing or facilitating gambling advertisements.

Platforms, media organizations, advertising technology companies and other entities that violate the proposed restrictions could be fined up to P50,000 for every day of continued violation. They could also face revocation of their licenses.

Aside from restricting advertisements, the bill proposes tighter safeguards for people who open online gambling accounts.

These include stronger age and identity verification requirements intended to prevent minors and unauthorized individuals from accessing online gambling platforms.

The measure comes as online gambling becomes increasingly accessible through smartphones and internet-connected devices, allowing users to access gambling platforms without having to visit physical establishments.

Garcia said the proposed advertising restrictions are intended to address how gambling is marketed to the public while maintaining the legality of government-authorized gambling activities.

The bill will undergo the legislative process in the House of Representatives, where its provisions will be reviewed before any potential approval and further action.