Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero has filed a measure seeking to permanently prohibit gambling-related advertisements and sponsorships across the country in an effort to discourage excessive and irresponsible gambling while protecting minors and other vulnerable sectors from harmful exposure.
Under Senate Bill No. 2347, Escudero proposes the institutionalization of strict restrictions on gambling promotions, following the same regulatory model adopted by the Philippines for the tobacco industry under Republic Act No. 9211, also known as the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003.
According to the senator, the time has come for the government to apply similar safeguards to the gambling industry, noting that both tobacco and gambling present serious risks when promotional activities become widespread and are designed to attract younger audiences.
“It’s about time that we regulate the gambling industry the same way we regulated tobacco two decades ago,” Escudero said after filing the bill, emphasizing that aggressive promotions by both industries can lead to harmful social consequences.
Escudero pointed out that Republic Act No. 9211, which he supported during his time as a member of the House of Representatives, successfully imposed comprehensive restrictions on tobacco advertising. The law prohibited tobacco advertisements in print, broadcast, electronic, and outdoor media, while also banning celebrity endorsements and branded product placements in entertainment programs. These measures, he said, proved effective in reducing unnecessary exposure among minors and individuals who were not yet adult smokers.
His proposed Senate Bill No. 2347 seeks to adopt the same standard for gambling promotions by prohibiting advertisements on television, radio, newspapers, magazines, online platforms, and social media. The proposal likewise seeks to ban celebrity endorsements, influencer marketing campaigns, and other promotional activities that encourage gambling participation. It also requires authorized gambling-related consumer communications to carry responsible gambling advisories reminding the public about the dangers associated with compulsive gaming.
The senator also acknowledged the recent initiative undertaken by the Ad Standards Council (ASC), which voluntarily issued a self-regulatory circular directing its members to prohibit gambling imagery and gambling-related paraphernalia in advertisements across various media platforms.
Escudero explained that his proposed legislation would institutionalize these voluntary restrictions by incorporating them into a national legal framework, ensuring consistent implementation throughout the country while preventing regulatory loopholes that could weaken enforcement.
Although the gambling industry continues to generate substantial revenues for the government and contributes to employment opportunities and tourism development, Escudero stressed that it has also fueled a surge in advertisements, sponsorships, promotional campaigns, marketing strategies, and other forms of consumer communication that have become increasingly widespread, highly sophisticated, and specifically targeted toward potential players.
The veteran lawmaker warned that the growing visibility and accessibility of gambling-related services pose significant concerns affecting public mental and physical well-being, as well as socioeconomic conditions. He said the continued expansion of gambling promotions increases the risk of excessive, compulsive, and irresponsible gambling behavior, particularly among vulnerable sectors.
In the explanatory note accompanying Senate Bill No. 2347, Escudero cited the rapid expansion of online and digital gaming platforms as evidence of the industry’s remarkable growth. He noted that the Philippine gambling industry generated approximately P396.13 billion in gross gaming revenues during Fiscal Year 2025, reflecting record-breaking performance.
Despite the industry’s economic contributions, the senator emphasized that government policies should strike a balance between economic benefits and social responsibility. He said gambling operators, advertisers, and other industry stakeholders must be held to higher ethical standards to ensure that commercial interests do not come at the expense of public welfare.
To facilitate smooth implementation, the proposed measure provides for a one-year transition period after the law takes effect. During this period, gambling operators, advertisers, and related businesses will be allowed to gradually remove existing promotional materials and align their operations with the new regulatory requirements. Escudero said this transition period would also provide government agencies and stakeholders sufficient time to establish compliance mechanisms before the law is fully enforced, thereby minimizing disruptions while strengthening regulatory oversight.
The bill likewise prescribes escalating penalties for violations of the proposed advertising ban. First-time offenders may face fines of up to P200,000 or imprisonment of up to one year. A second offense carries a maximum fine of P300,000 or imprisonment of up to two years, while a third offense may result in a fine of up to P500,000 or imprisonment of up to three years, in addition to the revocation of business permits or operating licenses.
Corporate officers found liable under the proposed law would likewise face appropriate sanctions, while foreign nationals who violate its provisions may also be subjected to deportation, in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
Escudero clarified that the penalties provided under the measure are intended solely to ensure the law’s effective implementation, stressing that meaningful deterrence is necessary to safeguard public welfare and preserve the integrity of the proposed legislation.
Apart from regulatory measures, Senate Bill No. 2347 also mandates the conduct of nationwide education and awareness campaigns promoting responsible gambling. The bill directs concerned government agencies to develop sustained information programs that educate the public on the dangers of compulsive gambling while informing individuals about available mental health services, consumer protection initiatives, and other support mechanisms.
In closing, Escudero said the proposed legislation ultimately aims to cultivate a more responsible gaming environment by protecting minors and vulnerable individuals, promoting informed consumer decision-making, and advancing the broader public interest.
