The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) has ordered the immediate dismantling of all billboards and out-of-home (OOH) gambling advertisements as part of its intensified efforts to regulate gambling-related promotions in public spaces.
In a statement Friday, PAGCOR said it issued a memorandum on July 7, directing all licensees, suppliers, system administrators, and gaming venue operators to take down gambling ad materials, including those displayed on trains, buses, jeepneys, and taxis.
PAGCOR clarified that only institutional or responsible gaming campaigns, which are subject to its approval, will be permitted moving forward.
“We have given all our licensees and stakeholders until Aug. 15 to completely remove all gambling-related ads,” said PAGCOR chairperson and CEO Alejandro Tengco.
“Prior to that, stakeholders must also submit an inventory of their existing billboard and wallscape advertisements by July 16.”
Tengco said the inventory must include the size, material, location, rental contract expiration, and the corresponding permit number from the Ad Standards Council (ASC).
“While PAGCOR is mandated to regulate the gaming industry and generate revenues for nation-building, we do not want to encourage a culture of gambling addiction,” he said.
“Regulating excessive and pervasive gambling advertisements is a critical step in protecting vulnerable sectors of society, especially the youth.”
PAGCOR also warned against replacing the dismantled advertisements with new gambling promotions, adding that non-compliance will be dealt with accordingly.*PNA
