Cebu City Legal Office Supports Gambling Ad Ban With Revisions

Significant changes are coming to the advertising landscape in Cebu City as local legal authorities throw their weight behind a proposed gambling advertisement ban. The position paper issued by the Cebu City Legal Office on July 20, 2026, supports the initiative introduced by Councilor Joel Garganera. The goal of the "Cebu City Anti-Gambling Advertisement Ordinance" is to institutionalize a ban that covers various forms of promotion, including physical ads and event sponsorships. However, the legal office has highlighted several areas where the proposal must be refined to ensure it complies with national laws and constitutional mandates.

One of the primary concerns centers on the regulation of digital content. The legal office warned that a broad ban on online gambling advertisements could inadvertently restrict protected speech. As currently written, the ordinance might affect influencers or affiliate markers without distinguishing between paid commercial advertisements and other forms of expression. To mitigate this, the office suggested limiting the restrictions to paid advertisements on digital platforms operated by entities within Cebu City's jurisdiction. This distinction is crucial for the measure to remain defensible in court while still achieving its social objectives.

Numbers and facts

Recent data from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) illustrates the massive scale of the industry that these new rules aim to regulate. In 2023, the Philippines' gross gaming revenue (GGR) hit a record PHP 285.27 billion (approximately USD 5.09 billion), representing a 33.1% increase from the previous year. Integrated resorts were the largest contributors, generating PHP 207.48 billion, while electronic games added PHP 58.16 billion. PAGCOR projections for 2024 anticipate even higher figures, reaching PHP 336.38 billion, highlighting the need for robust regulatory frameworks as the market expands.

Defending the public against social harm is a key motivation for the council. The ordinance includes provisions for administrative fines and the revocation of business permits for violators. The Legal Office emphasized that due process must be guaranteed, including written notices and opportunities for affected parties to respond. They also recommended that the city align its definitions of gambling with national statutes, such as Presidential Decree No. 1869 and Republic Act No. 9287, to ensure uniform enforcement and prevent conflicts with PAGCOR's authority over legal gaming operations.

Background

Cebu City's move follows a global trend of tightening restrictions on how gambling products are marketed to the public. The legal office cited international examples, such as the Netherlands, where sports gambling sponsorships are being phased out and the use of celebrities or professional athletes in ads is prohibited. Australia was also mentioned as a benchmark for its strict regulations on internet gambling ads and prohibitions during live sports broadcasts. By adopting these standards, Cebu City aims to protect vulnerable groups, including minors, from the perceived social harms of gambling promotion.

“The changes will enable the ordinance to be consistent with the national law.” - Cebu City Legal Office, Position Paper dated July 20, 2026

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco previously noted that the industry’s recovery post-pandemic has exceeded even the most optimistic projections. With the sector now poised for long-term growth, local governments are increasingly looking for ways to balance economic benefits with public welfare. The upcoming public hearing on July 28, 2026, will be a critical step in determining how Cebu City will navigate these legal and social challenges.

Why it matters for German players

While the situation in the Philippines might seem distant, it mirrors the regulatory environment in Germany under the Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021). German players are already familiar with strict advertising windows and the requirement for providers to be listed on the GGL whitelist. The news from Cebu City reinforces the idea that strict oversight is becoming a global norm. For players, this serves as a reminder to stick to licensed platforms that offer player protection systems like LUGAS and the central OASIS blocking file, which are standard for all GGL-regulated casinos.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For casinos holding a license from the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), the debate in Cebu City highlights the importance of standardized definitions and clear regulatory boundaries. German-licensed operators already function within a highly structured system that dictates marketing practices. The pressure on influencer marketing and social media personality ads in the Philippines suggests that unmanaged digital promotion is a primary target for regulators worldwide. Operators that maintain transparency and adhere to the highest standards of responsible gaming will likely be best positioned as global rules continue to converge.