Republic of the Philippines 
 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
Twentieth Congress 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 
Introduced by Hon. Charisse Anne C. Hernandez 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This proposed legislation seeks to prohibit the public advertisement and promotion of 
online gambling and casinos, as well as impose restrictions to prevent minors from accessing 
online gambling platforms. The bill aims to address the adverse effects of online gambling, 
particularly on the youth and the masses, by regulating its accessibility and exposure. 
Online gambling has emerged as a pervasive issue, affecting individuals and families across the 
Philippines. Studies have shown that gambling addiction can lead to severe mental health issues, 
financial instability, and strained family relationships.  
Internationally recognized studies, such as those conducted by the World Health 
Organization (WHO), highlight the psychological and social consequences of gambling addiction. 
These include depression, anxiety, and an increased risk of substance abuse. Furthermore, the 
allure of instant wealth often leads individuals to gamble beyond their means, resulting in financial 
ruin and social isolation. 
In the Philippine context, data from the Department of Health (DOH) and PAGCOR 
indicate a growing prevalence of gambling-related issues among the youth. The ease of access 
to online gambling platforms, coupled with aggressive advertising strategies, has made minors 
particularly vulnerable to its adverse effects. The proliferation of advertisements on social media, 
mobile applications, and other digital platforms frequented by minors exacerbates the problem, 
exposing them to gambling at an early age. 
The internet has become a double-edged sword, providing convenience while also 
enabling harmful activities such as online gambling. The lack of stringent age verification 
measures on many gambling websites allows minors to access these platforms easily. This bill 
proposes the implementation of hard age-gating measures to ensure that only individuals of legal 
age can access online gambling services. Additionally, it seeks to restrict advertisements to the 
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official websites of licensed gambling operators, thereby minimizing exposure to the general 
public. 
Given the alarming rise in online gambling participation and its detrimental effects on 
society, there is an urgent need for legislative intervention. This bill aims to protect the youth and 
vulnerable sectors of society by curbing the promotion and accessibility of online gambling. By 
prohibiting public advertisements and implementing strict access controls, this legislation will help 
mitigate the social and economic consequences of gambling addiction. 
The immediate passage of this bill is crucial to safeguard the well-being of the Filipino 
people and promote responsible gambling practices. 
CHARISSE ANNE C. HERNANDEZ 
Lone District, Calamba City


Republic of the Philippines  
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
Twentieth Congress 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 
Introduced by Hon. Charisse Anne C. Hernandez 
AN ACT 
PROHIBITING THE PUBLIC ADVERTISEMENT AND PROMOTION OF ONLINE 
GAMBLING AND CASINOS, AND IMPOSING RESTRICTIONS TO PREVENT ACCESS 
BY MINORS TO ONLINE GAMBLING PLATFORMS, PROVIDING PENALTIES 
THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the “Online Gambling Advertisement 
and Promotion Prohibition Act.”   
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared the policy of the State to protect 
the youth and general public from the adverse effects of gambling by regulating its promotion and 
accessibility. This Act seeks to ensure responsible gambling practices and minimize exposure to its 
promotion, particularly among minors and vulnerable sectors of society.   
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. For the purposes of this Act, the following terms shall 
mean:  
(a) Online Gambling – Activities involving the placing of bets, wagers, or stakes through the
internet using digital devices such as mobile phones, computers, or tablets.  
(b) Public Advertisement and Promotion – Any form of marketing, endorsement, or dissemination
of information about a product or service designed to attract public attention, including billboards, 
newspapers, television commercials, online advertisements, and similar mediums.   
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(c) Minors – Individuals under the age of eighteen (18) years.   
(d) Hard Age-Gating Measures – Strict verification processes that require users to provide proof of 
age (e.g., valid government-issued ID) before granting access to online gambling platforms.   
SECTION 4. Prohibition of Public Advertisement and Promotion of Online Gambling. 
(a) Public advertisements and promotions of online gambling and casinos, including but not limited 
to billboards, newspapers, television commercials, radio broadcasts, and any other traditional or 
digital media platforms, are hereby prohibited.   
(b) Celebrities, digital creators, social media influencers, and media personalities are prohibited 
from endorsing or promoting online gambling and casinos in all forms of media.   
(c) Advertisements and promotions directing to online gambling websites or applications are 
prohibited on online platforms and apps publicly used and frequently used by minors.   
SECTION 5. Restriction on Online Gambling Advertisements and Access. 
(a) Online gambling advertisements shall only be displayed on the official website or application of 
the licensed gambling operator. Such websites or apps must include clear disclaimers regarding the 
risks of gambling.   
(b) Websites or applications offering online gambling services shall implement hard age-gating 
measures that require users to undergo verification of age and identity before accessing the platform. 
(c) Online gambling platforms must ensure compliance with cybersecurity standards to protect 
personal information submitted during age verification processes.   
SECTION 6. Penalties. 
(a) Any individual or entity found violating the provisions of Section 4 shall be penalized as follows:   
   (i) For first-time offenders, a fine of not less than Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (₱500,000).   
   (ii) For subsequent violations, a fine of not less than One Million Pesos (₱1,000,000) and/or 
imprisonment of up to six (6) months, at the discretion of the court.   
(b) Online gambling operators that fail to implement hard age-gating measures shall be penalized 
with immediate suspension of their operating license and a fine of not less than Five Million Pesos 
(₱5,000,000).   


SECTION 7. Implementing Authority. The Department of Information and 
Communications Technology (DICT), in coordination with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming 
Corporation (PAGCOR), shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to ensure the 
implementation of this Act, including regular monitoring of online gambling advertisements and 
operation.   
SECTION 8. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act is declared invalid or 
unconstitutional, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.   
SECTION 9. Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations, 
or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.   
SECTION 10. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.   
Approved.