Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero has filed a bill seeking to prohibit gambling advertisements and sponsorships across the country, saying tighter regulation is needed to address the growing risks of compulsive gambling and shield minors and other vulnerable sectors from aggressive marketing.

Under Senate Bill (SB) No. 2347, gambling promotions would be barred from television, radio, print, online platforms, and social media. The proposal would also ban celebrity endorsements and influencer marketing tied to gambling services, while requiring authorized consumer communications to include responsible gambling advisories.

Escudero said the proposal follows the framework used to regulate tobacco advertising under Republic Act (RA) No. 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, which imposed broad restrictions on tobacco promotions to protect public health.

“It’s about time that we regulate the gambling industry the same way we regulated tobacco two decades ago,” he said upon filing the measure, noting that both industries pose serious risks when advertising becomes widespread and targets young people.

The senator pointed out that RA No. 9211—which he supported during his time in the House of Representatives—banned tobacco advertisements in print, broadcast, electronic, and outdoor media, while also prohibiting celebrity endorsements and product placements in entertainment content. He said those measures helped reduce tobacco exposure among minors and non-adult smokers.

Escudero said his proposal would build on recent efforts by the Ad Standards Council (ASC), which issued a voluntary self-regulation circular directing its members to remove gambling imagery and related materials from media platforms.

“My bill shall institutionalize this effort by placing the restrictions under a national legal framework, ensuring uniform enforcement and preventing gaps in regulation,” he stressed.

While recognizing the gambling industry's contribution to government revenues, employment, and tourism, Escudero said its rapid expansion has been accompanied by increasingly sophisticated advertising and marketing campaigns.

He warned that the heightened visibility of gambling services “presents significant public mental and physical well-being and socioeconomic concerns, particularly with respect to undue exposure, excessive, compulsive, and irresponsible gambling behavior.”

In the bill’s explanatory note, Escudero cited the continued growth of online and digital gaming, noting that the Philippine gambling industry generated P396.13 billion in gross gaming revenues in fiscal year 2025. He said the measure seeks to strike a balance between the industry's economic contributions and the need for stronger social safeguards by requiring gambling operators and advertisers to adhere to higher ethical standards.

The bill also provides a one-year transition period after its enactment, allowing gambling operators, advertisers, and government agencies time to phase out existing promotional materials and comply with the new regulations before full enforcement begins.

Violators would face increasing penalties, beginning with fines of up to P200,000 or imprisonment of up to one year for a first offense, P300,000 or up to two years for a second offense, and P500,000 or up to three years for a third offense. Repeat violations could also lead to the revocation of business permits or licenses, while foreign nationals found liable may face deportation.

Escudero said the penalties are intended "only to ensure its effective implementation,” underscoring that deterrence is essential to protect public welfare and uphold the integrity of the law.

Beyond advertising restrictions, the measure directs government agencies to conduct sustained public education campaigns on responsible gambling, mental health support, and consumer protection to help Filipinos make informed decisions.

According to Escudero, the bill aims to “foster a more responsible gaming environment, protect minors and vulnerable persons, promote informed consumer choice, and advance public interest".