The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has ordered the immediate removal of all billboards and out-of-home (OOH) advertisements promoting gambling, as part of its efforts to tighten regulations on public gambling promotions.
In a memorandum issued on July 7, PAGCOR directed all licensees, suppliers, system administrators, and gaming venue operators to dismantle gambling-related advertising materials found in public spaces such as trains, buses, jeepneys, and taxis.
"We have given all our licensees and stakeholders until August 15 to completely remove all gambling-related ads," said PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco.
"Prior to that, stakeholders must also submit an inventory of their existing billboard and wallscape advertisements by July 16," he added.
The required inventory must detail the size, material, location, expiration of the rental contract, and the corresponding permit number issued by the Ad Standards Council (ASC).
Tengco emphasized that only institutional or responsible gaming campaigns will be allowed moving forward—provided they are approved by PAGCOR.
"While PAGCOR is mandated to regulate the gaming industry and generate revenues for nation-building, we do not want to encourage a culture of gambling addiction," he said.
"Regulating excessive and pervasive gambling advertisements is a critical step in protecting vulnerable sectors of society, especially the youth," he furthered.
The gaming regulator also warned that replacing removed advertisements with new gambling promotions is strictly prohibited.
PAGCOR said any violation of this directive would be dealt with accordingly.
