Senator Calls for Total Ban on Online Gambling Ads
MANILA, Philippines—Senator Raffy Tulfo has urged the government to impose a total ban on online gambling advertisements. He warned that celebrity endorsements and promotions by social media influencers could worsen gambling addiction across the country.
As the government steps up its fight against illegal betting operations, Tulfo, chairman of the Senate committee on games and amusement, emphasized the urgent need to stop all forms of online gambling ads. He said, “There really should be a stop to endorsements — not just from influencers, but a total ban on online gambling advertisements.”
The Real Cost Behind Gambling Promotions
The senator clarified that he doesn’t oppose celebrities advertising online gambling, but he hopes they will consider the serious consequences their endorsements may cause. “Maybe for them it’s just a job, nothing personal — but what these celebrities endorsing online gambling don’t realize is that a lot of lives are being ruined because of it,” he said.
He further reflected on the personal impact, adding, “Who knows? Maybe their own relatives or loved ones are already addicted to the very gambling they’re promoting on social media, TV or radio.” Tulfo highlighted the heavy responsibility public figures bear, noting their influence can either uplift or harm their communities.
Influence Comes with Responsibility
“They should think about the impact on their followers,” Tulfo stressed. “In the end, those followers might not be happy — they might unfollow them. Some might even say, ‘Because of you, I went bankrupt. Because of you, my life was ruined.’”
Government Steps Up Regulation of Gambling Ads
In response to the growing concerns, the government has taken measures to regulate gambling advertisements. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has recently partnered with the Ad Standards Council (ASC) through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to oversee and pre-screen gambling-related ads across all media platforms.
Under the agreement signed last Wednesday, gambling will be included in the ASC’s list of “must-screen” categories, joining alcoholic beverages, over-the-counter medicines, food supplements, airline promotions, and breast milk substitutes. All gambling advertisements—whether on TV, radio, online, or outdoor venues—must now be reviewed and approved by the ASC before public release.
These efforts aim to reduce the exposure of vulnerable audiences to gambling ads and mitigate the risks of addiction fueled by aggressive marketing and celebrity endorsements.
For more news and updates on online gambling advertisements, visit Filipinokami.com.
