The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor), the government agency that regulates games of chance in the country, has ordered all gambling billboards and other public advertisements to be taken down as part of efforts to control gambling promotions in public areas.
In a July 7 memo, Pagcor directed its licensees, suppliers, system administrators, and gaming venue operators to remove all gambling-related ads, including those displayed on billboards, trains, buses, jeepneys, and taxis.
“We have given all our licensees and stakeholders until Aug. 15 to remove all gambling-related ads completely,” said Pagcor Chair and CEO Alejandro Tengco. “Before that, stakeholders must also submit an inventory of their existing billboard and wallscape advertisements by July 16.”
The agency said only institutional or responsible gaming campaigns, subject to its approval, will be allowed from now on.
According to Tengco, the required inventory must list each ad’s size, material, location, rental contract expiration date, and permit number from the Ad Standards Council.
“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 that dismantled ads cannot simply be replaced with new gambling promotions, adding that violations of the order will face appropriate action.
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