TLDR
- Sen. Francis Escudero filed Senate Bill 2347 to ban gambling ads across TV, radio, print, online, and social media
- The bill compares gambling advertising rules to the 2003 tobacco ad ban
- Philippine gambling revenue reached P396.13 billion in Fiscal Year 2025
- Operators would get a one year grace period before penalties apply
- Penalties include fines up to P500,000, jail time up to three years, and license revocation for repeat offenses
Sen. Francis Escudero has filed a bill seeking to ban gambling advertisements throughout the Philippines. Senate Bill 2347 would stop gambling promotions across TV, radio, print, online platforms, and social media.
The bill treats gambling advertising the same way the country once treated tobacco marketing. Escudero pointed to the 2003 tobacco ad ban as a model for the new proposal.
He said gambling promotions have grown more common and more advanced across many types of media. The senator raised concerns about ads that could reach young people.
Gambling Revenue Hits Record High
The gambling industry brought in P396.13 billion in revenue during Fiscal Year 2025. Escudero acknowledged this economic contribution in his proposal.
Despite the revenue figures, he said the growth of gambling advertising raises concerns for public health and finances. He argued that the spread of ads across multiple channels has outpaced current rules.
The bill would also turn a voluntary ad guideline into law. The Ad Standards Council had already issued a circular limiting gambling imagery in ads.
Escudero said placing these rules into national law would create consistent enforcement. He added that a legal framework would close gaps left by voluntary guidelines.
Penalties And Grace Period For Operators
If the bill becomes law, gambling operators would receive a one year grace period. During this time, they could remove existing promotional materials without penalty.
After that period, violations would result in fines and possible jail time. The penalties increase with each repeat offense.
A first violation could bring a fine of up to P200,000 and up to one year in prison. A second violation raises the fine to P300,000 and up to two years in prison.
A third violation carries a fine of up to P500,000, up to three years in prison, and the loss of a business license. Foreign citizens who violate the law could also face deportation.
Escudero said the penalties are needed to discourage actions that could harm the public. He described the fines and jail terms as necessary tools for enforcement.
The bill also aims to protect minors and vulnerable individuals from gambling marketing. It calls for informed decision making among consumers as one of its goals.
Along with the ad ban, the bill includes a government funded education campaign. This campaign would focus on responsible gambling and mental health support for gamblers.
The proposal also targets the use of celebrities and online personalities in gambling marketing campaigns. This would extend the ad ban beyond traditional commercial promotions.
Senate Bill 2347 places gambling advertising under legislative review in the Philippines. The proposed restrictions cover both commercial ads and endorsements from public figures.
