News
Gambling ads must now be screened by the ASC and carry PAGCOR's new tagline
ASC Circular 2025-010 (17 Oct 2025) makes gambling ads a must-screen category, and a PAGCOR memo requires the tagline 'Gambling can be addictive. Know when to stop.' What viewers should expect.
Source: Ad Standards Council circular; we have not read the PAGCOR memo itself. Updated 27 October 2026.
What the circular says
ASC Circular 2025-010, dated 17 October 2025:
- Gambling advertising becomes the sixth must-screen category. All gambling ads, in all forms, for land-based or online operators must be screened with the ASC before implementation, effective immediately.
- It follows a memorandum of understanding between the ASC and PAGCOR signed on 16 July 2025.
- Advertisers first obtain PAGCOR's "AA" (Approval for Advertising), then apply for ASC clearance.
- A PAGCOR memorandum dated 28 July 2025 requires the revised tagline "Gambling can be addictive. Know when to stop." on out-of-home, print, TV and digital ads, clearly visible and readable (no stylised logos or altered colours; white background suggested).
- Until detailed guidelines are finalised, the gambling provisions of the 2024 Code of Ethics and Standards apply.
What viewers should expect
A legitimate, approved gambling ad shows the tagline and 21+ messaging. PAGCOR's Responsible Gaming Code also requires a 21+ prohibition logo and messages not directed at minors (Code). An ad with no warnings, "guaranteed win" claims, or a link from an influencer or chat group is a red flag (influencer promos, scam signs). In February 2026 PAGCOR said prime-time gambling ads on TV and radio were already prohibited (AGBrief).
We use the tagline on our own commercial pages. We are an independent information site; whether affiliate editorial pages count as advertisements is a legal question we are not answering here. 21+ only; help: 02-8248-9568.
Frequently asked questions
What is the required PAGCOR responsible gaming tagline?
Per ASC Circular 2025-010, a PAGCOR memorandum dated 28 July 2025 requires the revised tagline: 'Gambling can be addictive. Know when to stop.'
Do gambling ads need approval in the Philippines?
Per the ASC circular dated 17 October 2025, all gambling ads for land-based or online operators must be screened by the ASC before implementation, after first obtaining PAGCOR's Approval for Advertising.
Anong babala ang dapat nasa ads ng sugal?
'Gambling can be addictive. Know when to stop.' ayon sa memo ng PAGCOR (Hulyo 28, 2025), batay sa circular ng ASC.
Sources
- Ad Standards Council, ASC Circular 2025-010 (17 Oct 2025)
- PAGCOR, Responsible Gaming Code of Practice v6.0
- AGBrief, PAGCOR tightens regulations on online gambling (11 Feb 2026)
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