Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero has introduced Senate Bill No. 2347, aiming to enforce a nationwide ban on gambling advertisements and sponsorships to protect minors and vulnerable groups from compulsive gambling.
The proposed legislation seeks to prohibit gambling promotions across television, radio, print, websites, digital channels, and social media, while also banning celebrity endorsements and influencer marketing. Any authorized consumer communications would be mandated to display prominent responsible gambling warnings.
Escudero modeled the bill after Republic Act No. 9211, or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, which implemented strict restrictions on tobacco marketing.
“It’s about time that we regulate the gambling industry the same way we regulated tobacco two decades ago,” he said upon filing the measure.
The senator noted that RA No. 9211 successfully curtailed young people’s exposure to smoking by banning print, broadcast, electronic, and outdoor ads, as well as celebrity endorsements.
He also acknowledged the Ad Standards Council’s recent voluntary directive for members to pull gambling content, noting that his proposed law would build upon that momentum.
“My bill shall institutionalize this effort by placing the restrictions under a national legal framework, ensuring uniform enforcement and preventing gaps in regulation,” he stressed.
While recognizing the industry’s economic contributions—highlighting that the Philippine gambling sector generated ₱396.13 billion in gross gaming revenues in fiscal year 2025—Escudero warned against the risks posed by aggressive marketing.
He cautioned that heightened visibility “presents significant public mental and physical well-being and socioeconomic concerns, particularly with respect to undue exposure, excessive, compulsive, and irresponsible gambling behavior.”
The bill provides a 12-month transition period after enactment for operators and advertisers to adjust and remove existing campaigns. Violators face progressive penalties:
- First Offense: Fines up to ₱200,000 or up to one year in prison.
- Second Offense: Fines up to ₱300,000 or up to two years in prison.
- Third Offense: Fines up to ₱500,000 or up to three years in prison.
Repeat corporate offenders risk losing their business permits, while foreign nationals found guilty face deportation. Escudero emphasized that these sanctions are intended “only to ensure its effective implementation.”
Beyond advertising bans, SB 2347 tasks government agencies with launching public information programs focused on responsible gaming, mental health support, and consumer rights.
Escudero stated that the measure ultimately seeks to “foster a more responsible gaming environment, protect minors and vulnerable persons, promote informed consumer choice, and advance public interest”.