The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has urged content creators to stop promoting illegal online gambling, warning of legal action starting next week.
CICC deputy executive director Renato Paraiso announced in a news briefing that the agency would send demand letters to influencers next week. Failure to comply will result in charges being filed the following week.
Paraiso noted the risks of unregulated online gambling. “One of the dangers of illegal online gambling is we cannot regulate if they are manipulating the results. They can cheat there,” he said.
The CICC’s warning follows a move by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR), which ordered its licensed online gambling platforms to remove all billboard advertisements for their games.
PAGCOR, in a memorandum issued on July 7, directed all licensees, suppliers, gaming venue operators and system administrators to dismantle all billboard and other out-of-home advertisements related to gambling activities nationwide by August 15, 2025.
To ensure compliance, licensees should submit an inventory of all billboard and wallscape advertisements by July 16, 2025.
The inventory should include details such as size, location, material type, rental expiry and corresponding Advertising Standards Council (ASC) number.
The directive also applies to advertisements displayed on vehicles, including trains, buses, jeepneys and taxis.
