TLDR Baguio City councilors passed a second-reading ordinance to ban online gambling operations in the city. No new permits or renewals will be issued for online casinos, e-games, online sabong, e-bingo, and related services. Existing operators get one year to shut down after the ordinance takes effect. Gambling ads will be banned in public spaces, schools, parks, and churches, and sponsorships of public events are restricted. People under 25 will be barred from gambling venues, and a new council will be created to enforce the rules.
Baguio City has taken a step toward shutting down online gambling within its borders. The City Council passed the proposed ordinance in its second reading this week.
The measure targets a wide range of online gambling activities. This includes online casinos, e-games, online sabong, e-bingo outlets, and online poker. Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators and related support businesses are also covered.
What the Ordinance Changes
Under the new rules, the city will stop issuing new permits or renewals for these gambling operations. Businesses that already hold permits will have one year from the ordinance’s effectivity to close down.
The ordinance also limits how gambling can be advertised. Billboards, posters, LED screens, transit ads, and flyers promoting gambling will no longer be allowed in public areas. These ads would only be permitted inside licensed gambling establishments themselves.
Public spaces get added protection under the rules. Schools, universities, parks, churches, sports facilities, and designated Healthy Child Zones cannot display gambling branding or promotions.
Gambling companies are also barred from sponsoring educational, sporting, cultural, religious, arts, tourism, or municipal events. This includes barangay programs and the city’s Panagbenga Festival. Donations from gambling firms can still happen, but they cannot carry the company’s name or any gambling-related branding.
Rules Aimed at Protecting Young People
The ordinance