Philippines’ DICT says TikTok to stop real-money gambling ads

TikTok will cease real money gambling (RMG) advertisements in the Philippines from August 22, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said, as the government steps up efforts to regulate online betting and protect minors.

DICT Secretary Henry Aguda said TikTok voluntarily decided to halt gambling ads following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive and the government’s push for a safer digital space.

It is significant for global platforms like TikTok to support the government’s digital safety efforts, Aguda said, adding the ban was intended to shield young people from exposure to gambling content.

Authorities noted that RMG ads promoting online casinos, betting apps, and related services have proliferated on social media in recent years, triggering concerns about accessibility to minors.

In July, the Philippines banned outdoor gambling ads on billboards and vehicles, while Meta removed more than 20 influencers and celebrities promoting online gambling after complaints from digital advocacy group Digital Pinoys and the government’s Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center.

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the Ad Standards Council had previously ordered the regularisation of gambling ads, though PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco has called for stricter rules.

Financial regulators have also acted: earlier this month, e-wallet providers GCash and Maya complied with a Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas mandate to cut off in-app links to gambling services.

President Marcos stressed the need to shield Filipinos, particularly young people, from online risks such as gambling, scams, misinformation, and data misuse, the government said.