PAGCOR, ASC ink deal to screen online gambling ads

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the Ad Standards Council (ASC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to regulate and pre-screen advertisements related to online gambling.

This agreement adds gambling advertisements to the ASC's list of categories that require mandatory screening before public release.

The MoU mandates that all branded or corporate gambling ads, regardless of the media platform, must undergo review and approval by the ASC.

New directives include the removal of all out-of-home (OOH) gambling ads by August 15, 2025, and a prohibition on gambling advertisements airing during primetime television hours (5:30 PM to 8:00 PM).

The primary goal of this regulation is to prevent misleading content and safeguard vulnerable individuals from potential harm associated with gambling ads.

Online gambling crusaders, including Capstone-Intel, have lauded the measure as a necessary assertion of state oversight.