A former commissioner of the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC) called on Congress to ban online gambling ads, similar to what Italy has done to shield the public, especially the youth, from the harm brought by online gambling.
Congress urged to ban online gambling ads
Published Jul 8, 2025 11:03 am
(Photo from an online gambling site)
Lawyer Nicasio Conti, in a statement on Tuesday, July 8, said that Congress must take a decisive steps against gambling addition by passing a law that will ban all forms of online gambling ads, similar to Italy’s “Dignity Decree.”
“Italy did what many countries were afraid to do—they drew a red line,” Conti stressed. “They understood that gambling addiction doesn’t start in a casino. It starts with an ad on your phone, a logo on a jersey, or an influencer selling ‘easy money.’ Congress must now show that same courage.”
He was citing Italy’s 2018 landmark legislation that imposed a sweeping ban on gambling advertisements across all media platforms—including online, TV, radio, and even sports sponsorships.
Conti, the chief executive officer of Capstone Intel Corp., explained that lawmakers must introduce a “Gambling Advertisement Prohibition Act” that would, among others, ban all direct and indirect gambling ads, prohibit gambling sponsorships in professional and amateur sports, penalize companies and individuals promoting gambling either through social media or streaming, and require public platforms to take down gambling-related content within 24 hours.
Aside from prohibiting gambling ads, the former PAGC commissioner is also proposing the use of gambling tax revenues to fund addiction treatment and nationwide awareness campaigns.
He explained that the call against gambling ads “is not an attack on gambling per se,” but it’s about “protecting children, the poor, and the digitally vulnerable from a highly manipulative industry.”
“We can regulate the game—but let’s stop glamorizing it,” he added.
Conti, whose private intelligence firm monitors digital threats and online consumer behavior, issued a warning versus the unregulated spread of online gambling ads in the country, especially through social media platforms Facebook and TikTok.
The ads, he lamented, led to a surge in underage betting and financial losses to low-income earners.
“We are seeing a disturbing trend: college students gambling away their allowances, minimum-wage earners hooked on online bingo, and influencers normalizing betting as entertainment,” he said. “This is not innovation—it’s exploitation.”
Italy’s law is proof that banning gambling ads is socially effective, despite the initial backlash from sports leagues and betting companies, he stressed.
Conti explained that under Italy’s Decreto Dignità, or Dignity Decree, violators can face penalties up to €50,000 (P3.3 million) per violation. Since its passing and enactment, the law had been credited in reducing youth gambling rates and also in strengthening public awareness against gambling addiction.
“If Italy can do it—with one of the largest gambling industries in Europe—why can’t we?” Conti asked. “The Philippines must stop hiding behind so-called revenue gains and prioritize public health and moral responsibility.”
The ex-commissioner bemoaned that gambling ads are being disguised as digital content, which makes it harder for regulators to monitor them effectively.
“No amount of disclaimers or responsible gambling slogans can undo the psychological impact of a celebrity telling kids that betting is fun,” Conti added.