The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is brewing a "regulatory combination punch" for online gambling, covering the entire chain from player identity verification, advertising placement restrictions to problem gambling intervention. The most attention-grabbing aspect is that the authorities are considering a complete ban on all iGaming advertisements—not only have prime time TV and radio slots been blocked, but even the "junk time" slots may no longer feature casino ads. Meanwhile, PAGCOR has also clarified a long-standing data misunderstanding: the so-called 32 million Filipinos gambling online actually have about 10 million active players. Simply put, having multiple accounts per person is the norm, not truly one-third of adults are fond of gambling. Want to keep up with the latest trends in Southeast Asian gambling regulation? Visit the PASA official website for ongoing policy analysis.
First, Advertising Ban: From Time-Slot to "One-Cut"?
PAGCOR Chairman Teng Kho revealed at a Senate hearing that gambling advertisements from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM on broadcast media have already been completely banned. However, TV and radio stations are still seeking permission to air ads during "junk time" (late night or early morning), arguing that it helps maintain advertising revenue. Kho's stance is clear: "If it can be completely banned, that's what we want."
Indeed, by 2025 PAGCOR has gradually introduced several advertising controls:
Outdoor Advertising Cleanup: Buses, taxis, trains, and all gambling-related billboards are required to be removed.
Digital Platform Pre-Review: Gambling promotions on social media and other digital channels must be pre-reviewed by the Advertising Standards Committee.
Illegal Advertising Blockage: The Cybercrime Coordination Center and the National Telecommunications Commission have the authority to directly block non-compliant content.
If a comprehensive broadcast ban is implemented, the Philippines will become one of the countries with the strictest gambling advertising regulations in the world.
Second, Player Protection Upgrade: KYC Dual Authentication + 24-Hour Helpline
Addressing loopholes in player identity verification, PAGCOR's Electronic Gaming Licensing Department has stated that it is "tightening KYC rules." The new process is no longer just a simple name and contact information, users must also submit:
Valid government ID
Real-time selfie (live detection)
This two-step authentication mechanism aims to prevent one person from using multiple identities or bypassing verification. Kho explains that many problem gamblers register multiple accounts on different platforms, "switching to another after losing money at one," which is a typical behavior of addiction.
Additionally, PAGCOR is collaborating with the nonprofit organization Seagulls Flock to develop a 24/7 round-the-clock problem gambling helpline, expected to officially debut at the third International Conference on Gambling and Gaming Addiction in May this year. The regulatory body has deliberately abandoned the euphemistic term "gaming," using "Gambling addiction, stop at the right time" as the official slogan, responding to societal backlash against the expansion of the gambling industry.
Third, Payment Battle: Strict Control While Lobbying
Ironically, while PAGCOR strictly monitors players, it is actively lobbying the central bank to relax payment restrictions. In August 2025, the Central Bank of the Philippines ordered that links to gambling sites be removed from apps like GCash and Maya, cutting off convenient payment channels. Kho candidly stated at the ICE Barcelona exhibition earlier this year that stronger player protection measures should become a bargaining chip to persuade the central bank to "re-allow links between e-wallets and gambling platforms." He emphasized that the new minimum guarantee fee mechanism "is expected to enhance industry sustainability."
The balance between regulation and industry development never stops swinging—PAGCOR must prove to legislators and the public that it can "control," while also showing operators that it can "survive." Whether this narrative of "tightening the left hand, loosening the right hand" can truly reconcile responsible gambling with commercial interests remains the biggest suspense for the Philippine gambling industry in 2026.
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This article is from "PASA-Global iGaming Leaders," a gambling industry news channel: https://t.me/pasa_news
Original in-depth gambling channel: https://t.me/gamblingdeep
Free data reports: @pasa_research
PASA Matrix: @pasa002_bot
PASA official website: https://www.pasa.news
