The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is advocating stricter regulations on gambling promotions, including a proposed total ban on broadcast advertisements, enhanced player verification measures, and expanded support services for problem gamblers.
PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco, speaking before the Senate Committee on Games and Amusement on Wednesday, expressed support for a complete prohibition of gambling advertisements on radio and television.
The proposal would extend beyond the current restriction limiting ads to off-peak hours between 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Although radio and television networks have pushed for off-peak advertising slots to help maintain their revenues, Tengco maintained that a total ban is needed to safeguard vulnerable sectors of the public.
PAGCOR earlier ordered the removal of gambling billboards and advertisements on public transportation and directed the Ad Standards Council to pre-screen digital gambling promotions. Unauthorised advertisements may be blocked by the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Centre and the National Telecommunications Commission.
Other countries enforce their own rules on iGaming advertising. In the United Kingdom, advertising rules are enforced by the Advertising Standards Authority. Promotions must adhere to social responsibility guidelines, including prohibitions against targeting minors, portraying gambling as a solution to financial problems, or featuring individuals under 25 years old. Violations can result in significant penalties.
Australia’s Interactive Gambling Act 2001 bans advertising for illegal offshore gambling services and restricts gambling promotions during live sports broadcasts. The Australian Communications and Media Authority oversees enforcement, which includes measures to limit children’s exposure, prohibit credit-based gambling offers, and curb misleading financial claims, alongside additional state-level regulations.
PAGCOR is also strengthening its Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements. According to Jessa Mariz Fernandez, Head of PAGCOR’s Electronic Gaming Licensing Department, new registrants will be required to present valid government-issued identification and submit real-time selfie verification to complete account registration.
The measures aim to prevent identity circumvention, reduce multiple account creation, and enhance transparency across the country’s 32 million registered online gaming users. Tengco told lawmakers that approximately 10 million of those users are considered active players.
Additionally, the agency is partnering with the Seagulls Flock Organisation to establish a 24/7 helpline for individuals experiencing gambling-related problems. The group is set to host the 3rd International Conference on Gambling and Gaming Addiction in Manila from May 18 to 20, 2026, highlighting increased focus on prevention and treatment strategies.
Another key issue raised by Tengco is the potential restoration of e-wallet services for licensed gaming operators. In August 2025, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas ordered providers such as GCash and Maya to suspend links to gambling platforms.
Tengco previously stated at ICE Barcelona in January 2026 that enhanced safeguards and tighter compliance standards could prompt regulators to reconsider the restrictions, allowing operators to reconnect with payment platforms under stricter oversight.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2026/02/16/117614-pagcor-pushes-for-tighter-gambling-rules-including-total-ad-ban
