TLDR Sen. Francis Escudero filed Senate Bill 2347 to ban gambling ads across TV, radio, print, online, and social media The bill compares gambling advertising rules to the 2003 tobacco ad ban Philippine gambling revenue reached P396.13 billion in Fiscal Year 2025 Operators would get a one year grace period before penalties apply Penalties include fines up to P500,000, jail time up to three years, and license revocation for repeat offenses
Sen. Francis Escudero has filed a bill seeking to ban gambling advertisements throughout the Philippines. Senate Bill 2347 would stop gambling promotions across TV, radio, print, online platforms, and social media.
The bill treats gambling advertising the same way the country once treated tobacco marketing. Escudero pointed to the 2003 tobacco ad ban as a model for the new proposal.
He said gambling promotions have grown more common and more advanced across many types of media. The senator raised concerns about ads that could reach young people.
Gambling Revenue Hits Record High
The gambling industry brought in P396.13 billion in revenue during Fiscal Year 2025. Escudero acknowledged this economic contribution in his proposal.
Despite the revenue figures, he said the growth of gambling advertising raises concerns for public health and finances. He argued that the spread of ads across multiple channels has outpaced current rules.
The bill would also turn a voluntary ad guideline into law. The Ad Standards Council had already issued a circular limiting gambling imagery in ads.
Escudero said placing these rules into national law would create consistent enforcement. He added that a legal framework would close gaps left by voluntary guidelines.
Penalties And Grace Period For Operators
If the bill becomes law, gambling operators would receive a one year grace period. During this time, they could remove existing promotional materials without penalty.