Escudero Seeks Gambling Ad Ban and Celebrity Endorsement in the Philippines
Sen. Francis Escudero has proposed a bill that will impose a total ban on gambling advertisements and sponsorships all throughout the country. This bill, Senate Bill 2347, shall include the following platforms for banning gambling-related advertisements: TV, radio, print, online, and even social media.
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Bill Seeks Wider Advertising Restrictions
The proposal is framed as a broad response to the visibility of gambling marketing in the country. It mirrors the restrictions imposed on the tobacco industry in 2003, with Escudero arguing that gambling promotions should now be treated in a similar way.
He said it was time to regulate the gambling industry as tobacco was regulated 2 decades ago, while warning about the dangers of promotions aimed at young audiences. The bill comes as gambling advertising has become more sophisticated across multiple media channels.
Although Escudero acknowledged the industry’s economic contribution, including a record P396.13-billion revenue in Fiscal Year 2025, he said the rapid spread of gambling ads raises significant concerns for public mental and physical well-being as well as socioeconomic conditions.
The measure would also formalize a recent voluntary self-regulation circular issued by the Ad Standards Council that bans gambling imagery. Escudero said placing those restrictions under a national legal framework would ensure uniform enforcement and avoid gaps in regulation.
Transition Period And Penalties
Approval of the bill will give the operators a 1-year grace period to dispose of any existing promotional materials. Thereafter, compliance will be enforced through a penalty, which increases with the frequency of violations.
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For a first offense, violators could face a fine of up to P200,000 and imprisonment of up to 1 year. A second offense would carry a fine of up to P300,000 and up to 2 years in prison. A third offense would bring a fine of up to P500,000, up to 3 years in jail, and the revocation of business licenses.
Violation of the bill by foreign citizens shall see them deported. Escudero justified the penalties as being essential for deterring individuals from committing acts that are detrimental to public welfare.
Public Interest And Education Drive
This bill, according to the senator, is geared towards fostering a sense of responsibility in the gaming sector, protecting minors, protecting vulnerable persons, encouraging information-based decisions by consumers, and ensuring that public interest is served. These are some of the core aims of the proposed restrictions.
Also included in this bill is a government-sponsored education campaign in relation to responsible gambling and mental support for gamblers. This is in addition to the restriction of advertisements and enhanced penalties.
The bill’s filing places gambling advertising squarely in the legislative spotlight, with the proposed restrictions covering not only commercial promotions but also the use of public figures and online personalities in marketing campaigns.
Source: PhilStar
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