for early access to the latest igaming videos!
and get the latest igaming news first!
Eli San Fernando, a Filipino lawmaker, has sought that social media influencers who promote gambling websites should be legally held accountable in case their promotions violate the principles of advertising or lead to gambling-related problems.
The said suggestion was put forward by the Kamanggagawa Party-list Representative in a hearing conducted at the House of Representatives Committee regarding the proposed budget of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) for 2027.
San Fernando questioned PAGCOR chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco about gambling advertisements appearing on social media without the responsible gambling disclaimers required under existing rules. He said influencers and celebrities could have a major effect on vulnerable consumers, particularly people experiencing financial difficulties.
Call For Equal Responsibility
San Fernando urged PAGCOR to apply equal liability to influencers and gambling companies when promotional content violates regulations or contributes to social harm. Both content creators and operators will have equal responsibility when their promotions do not conform to standards in terms of advertisements.
The congressman cited the financial burden brought on by the prevalent culture of online gambling among average Filipino citizens. Some minimum wage workers even went as far as pawning their valuables in order to pay off their gambling-related debts.
San Fernando also said endorsements from well-known public figures could make gambling appear to be a practical way for financially struggling families to earn money. In his view, the reach and influence of these personalities should be considered when regulators assess promotional activity.
Social Media Promotions Questioned
The discussion focused on gambling advertisements posted on social media without the responsible gambling disclaimers required under existing rules. San Fernando’s proposal followed concerns about the reach of influencers and content creators among vulnerable consumers.
The lawmaker asked PAGCOR to consider whether promotional activities by public figures should carry the same legal consequences as campaigns run by gambling operators. His call covered activities that violate advertising regulations or contribute to gambling-related harm.
PAGCOR Enforcement Record
Tengco said PAGCOR had already taken enforcement action against licensed operators that failed to comply with responsible gambling advertising requirements. He cited a case wherein the gambling entity, which was tied up with actress and social media influencer Ivana Alawi, was penalized.
This gambling company was charged with PHP1 million, or approximately $16,200, for a social media promotion involving a mobile phone giveaway. PAGCOR found that the operator had breached responsible advertising rules.
Tengco said the operator could face cancellation of its license if it committed repeated violations. The enforcement action involved the licensed gambling operator, while San Fernando’s proposal sought to extend accountability to influencers and content creators involved in promotional activities.
Debate Over Promotional Liability
The hearing placed the role of gambling influencers alongside the responsibilities already imposed on licensed operators. San Fernando wants PAGCOR to establish equal liability when promotional content breaches advertising requirements or contributes to social harm.
His proposal also connects gambling advertising with the financial difficulties faced by some consumers. The lawmaker said promotions supported by celebrities can affect how vulnerable people view gambling, especially when they are seeking ways to manage financial pressure.
Review Continues At PAGCOR
The call for liability was made as lawmakers examined PAGCOR’s proposed 2027 budget. San Fernando requested that the regulator look into the promotion of content on social media, while Tengco provided an explanation for the actions already undertaken against operators who have violated the responsible advertising requirements.
The proposed initiative continues to target gambling influencers, content providers, and organizations engaged in the violation of advertising rules or contributing to gambling harm. PAGCOR’s response and existing enforcement powers were central to the discussion at the committee hearing.
Source: Focus Gaming News
