Pasig City Enforces Full Ban on All Gambling Advertising.

Pasig City has enacted Ordinance No. 26, establishing a comprehensive prohibition on the display, distribution, and circulation of gambling-related advertisements within its jurisdiction. The measure applies to all forms of outdoor and public-space marketing, including billboards, posters, LED screens, building wraps, leaflets, and any form of promotional material placed on public transportation such as tricycles, pedicabs, and other utility vehicles. The ban extends to terminals located within the city and those servicing routes that pass through Pasig.

Under the new rules, gambling advertisements may only be displayed inside licensed casinos or betting outlets, significantly narrowing the scope of permissible marketing. Event sponsorship has also been restricted, with gambling companies barred from supporting government-linked educational, cultural, religious, arts, or sports activities. Operators may still participate in corporate social responsibility initiatives, provided no branding or promotional messaging is included.

Mayor Vico Sotto expressed strong support for the measure, citing concerns over the social harms associated with excessive gambling exposure. He emphasized that while gambling remains an individual choice, constant advertising can undermine personal restraint and encourage repeated behaviour.

The ordinance aligns with broader national efforts to regulate gambling promotions. Earlier in July, PAGCOR issued a nationwide directive requiring online gambling operators to remove all outdoor advertisements as part of its responsible gaming mandate. Industry analysts believe Pasig City’s move signals a tightening policy landscape, with lawmakers already proposing further restrictions on online betting visibility. As gaming operators adjust to these evolving regulations, the shift underscores a growing prioritisation of public welfare within the Philippines’ gambling sector.