Philippine gaming regulator PAGCOR has ordered that gambling billboard advertisements should be immediately removed, with a deadline of August 15 announced.

The order, issues on July 7, states that “all licensees, suppliers and electronic gaming administrators and providers” and reports claim that industry representatives agreed to the change during a meeting with PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco held on the day the order was issued.

In a statement, Tengco said, “We have given all our licensees and stakeholders until August 15 to completely remove all gambling-related ads. Prior to that, stakeholders must also submit an inventory of their existing billboard and wallscape advertisements by July 16.”

The PAGCOR chief added that the move is part of the state gaming agency’s commitment to promote a safer and more responsible gaming environment, something which has faced widespread criticism from the government, catholic church and the general population.

“While PAGCOR is mandated to regulate the gaming industry and generate revenues for nation building, we do not want to encourage a culture of gambling addiction,” he said.

“Regulating excessive and pervasive gambling advertisements is a critical step in protecting vulnerable sectors of society, especially the youth.”

What is the regulator’s current stance?

The regulator is responding to the current landscape which has been criticised for its heavy use of advertisements in gambling and while Tengco agreed tighter regulations are needed, banning gambling altogether is highly unlikely.

In a radio interview conducted on Tuesday, Tengco said, “PAGCOR’s current stand is not a total ban, but stricter regulation”.

“The current government is earning PHP100 billion directly and indirectly. Let’s not ignore it. The truth is, one of the largest online gaming companies licensed by PAGCOR, what was reported to me is that over Php30 billion or Php40 billion were paid in taxes.

“Secondly, there are also ancillary businesses; there are security guards, drivers, messengers, restaurants where these people eat, various transportation companies used by those involved in the online gaming industry. So that’s the indirect one.

“So, the impact of this is hundreds of billions in revenue for our country that could potentially be lost if the total ban is enacted.

“That’s why I said we have a senator, Senator Gatchalian, who is for stricter regulation. That way, the industry can continue to be regulated, and at the same time, the government also makes money.”