ASC bars gambling ads from showing casino games, equipment

• Photo from Pixabay

The Ad Standards Council (ASC) has ordered gambling operators to remove references to casino games and gambling equipment from advertising materials across broadcast, digital, print, and out-of-home platforms.

Under ASC Circular No. 2026-008 dated June 24, 2026, advertisements should not show or mention casino games such as roulette, baccarat, blackjack, and slot machines.

The restriction also covers cards, chips, dice, and other gambling paraphernalia.

The directive took effect immediately and applies to advertising materials placed in any form of media.

“Effective immediately, please be advised that any advertising material placed in any form of medium (Broadcast, Digital, Print, or OOH) should not show or mention casino games and equipment, such as, but not limited to, roulette, baccarat, blackjack, slot machines, cards, chips, dice, and other gambling paraphernalia,” as written in ASC Circular No. 2026-008 dated June 24, 2026.

The circular was addressed to the 4As, Philippine Association of National Advertisers (PANA), Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), Media Specialists Association of the Philippines (MSAP), United Print Media Group (UPMG), Digital Marketing Association of the Philippines (DMAP), Out-of-Home Advertising Association of the Philippines (OHAAP), and other ASC clients.

The ASC said materials found containing prohibited elements would be issued a cease-and-desist order. A copy of the order will also be shared with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

The ASC, a non-profit organization, is the advertising industry body responsible for reviewing the content of advertising materials across all media. It promotes responsible advertising and checks whether advertisements comply with industry standards and regulations.

The circular was signed by ASC Executive Director Robbie Aligada and Ad Content and Operations Manager Erwin Furagganan.

The council said the directive is aligned with PAGCOR and called on advertising agencies, media groups, digital platforms, and other industry stakeholders to strictly comply.