Chiz: Nationwide ban on gambling ads proposed across all media platforms

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero is pushing for a nationwide ban on gambling advertisements and sponsorships across all media platforms as part of efforts to curb gambling addiction and protect vulnerable Filipinos.

Escudero discussed his proposed measure, Senate Bill No. 2347, during his “Chiz Wiz! Usapang May Laman” podcast, stressing the need to make gambling less accessible and harder to promote, particularly online.

“Iyan ‘yung logic ng ating proposed legislation, huwag padaliin… Paano ba pahirapan ‘to para hindi basta-basta makapaglaro,” Escudero said, noting that online gambling has become widely accessible to both adults and minors.

Under SB 2347, Escudero seeks to prohibit gambling advertisements, promotions and sponsorships across television, radio, print, online platforms and social media.

The senator said existing voluntary guidelines of the Ad Standards Council on the removal of gambling-related imagery and paraphernalia are not enough because they lack the force of law.

“Ang kailangan ng batas ay itong sa advertisement dahil kailangan mong i-regulate dito ‘yung mga private companies,” Escudero said.

Learning from tobacco regulation

Escudero compared the proposed gambling advertising restrictions to the government’s regulation of tobacco advertising, citing Republic Act No. 9211, which imposed restrictions on cigarette advertising and promotions and was later complemented by graphic health warning requirements.

He also cited regulations in other countries, including Spain, Italy, New Zealand and China, where various restrictions or outright prohibitions on gambling advertisements and promotions are already in place.

According to Escudero, the examples demonstrate that while comprehensive gambling advertising bans remain uncommon worldwide, the Philippines can take stronger steps toward consumer protection and reducing gambling-related harm.

Advocates support proposed ban

Content creator and anti-gambling advocate Carlo Ople expressed support for SB 2347, arguing that online gambling platforms are designed to make betting easy and potentially addictive.

Recovering compulsive gambler Darren Telan also backed the proposal, saying gambling advertisements can serve as triggers for people trying to recover from gambling addiction.

“Kapag kami nakakita ng ads, babalik or trigger sa amin ‘yun,” Telan said.

Aside from banning gambling advertisements and sponsorships, the proposed measure would also prohibit the use of celebrities and influencers as gambling endorsers, as well as bonus incentives and other promotional strategies designed to encourage betting.

Escudero said SB 2347 is intended to serve as an initial step toward a broader regulatory framework aimed at addressing the social risks associated with gambling in the Philippines.