PAGCOR orders promotion of new gambling helpline

• Late in May, the Philippines launched new National Problem Gambling Helpline that seeks to provide invaluable support to those who need it
• PAGCOR ordered gambling operators, suppliers and licensees to promote the National Problem Gambling Helpline between July and September
• Alejandro H. Tengco, PAGCOR’s CEO and Chairman, speaks about the importance of promoting the gambling helpline

The Philippines is stepping up its efforts against problem gambling with a new campaign promoting a problem gambling helpline.

Changes must be made by July 15

On Wednesday, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the state’s gambling regulator, announced additional efforts to promote a newly launched 24/7 National Problem Gambling Helpline (NPGH).

Under an order by the Gaming Licensing and Development Department (GLDD), PAGCOR demanded all licensed suppliers, gaming venue operators, gaming system administrators and other related organizations to replace all gaming-related advertisements with a template advertising the new gambling helpline.

A press release by PAGCOR confirms that operators and related entities were given a deadline on or before July 15, 2026, to ensure their compliance.

Per the order, the advertisement of the NPGH template must remain in place through September 15, 2026.

Not unexpectedly, gaming licensees, gaming venue operators and other parties must submit a status report regarding the changes they made using a preset reporting template.

Such an accomplishment report must be sent to the GLDD on or before July 16, 2026.

Organizations that fail to comply will be subject to regulatory sanctions and other relevant penalties, which would be imposed by the Ad Standards Council, PAGCOR said.

According to Alejandro H. Tengco, PAGCOR’s Chairman and CEO, the new order impacts digital displays, billboards, wallscapes and other out-of-home advertising platforms that already display responsible gambling messages.

The latest effort reaffirms PAGCOR’s ongoing dedication to responsible gambling.

Last year in July, PAGCOR ordered the removal of all billboards and other advertising materials under a sweeping change impacting the promotion of gambling in public spaces.

Tengco spoke about the latest order saying: "Responsible gaming goes beyond awareness. It also means ensuring that help is readily available to those who need it most."

Moreover, the executive pointed out: "By promoting the NPGH that we launched recently, we can offer professional support for individuals and families affected by gambling-related harm."

Tengco added that the latest initiative highlights PAGCOR’s ongoing commitment to safer gambling and a responsible gaming environment.

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