Influencers, content creators told: Stop pushing illegal online gambling

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July 12, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has issued a warning to content creators promoting online gambling: take down related content by July 11 or face criminal charges.

CICC executive director Renato Paraiso said content creators must voluntarily remove materials promoting illegal gambling activities.

“Take the initiative to take down the content you uploaded that promotes these illegal online activities,” he said at a news briefing.

Those who fail to comply will receive demand letters by Monday, asking them to explain within five days why they should not be charged. Criminal complaints are expected to follow the week after.

Paraiso said they are focusing on 20 of the country’s “biggest” influencers, or those with massive online followings, who he vowed to name soon.

“I’m going after the head of the snake. If I go hard on these 20, the others will probably start feeling afraid,” he added.

One of the influencers reportedly has 14 million followers and owns a mansion and a luxury sports car.

The CICC is preparing to file cases for illegal gambling, tax evasion and violation of Republic Act 10173 or the Data Privacy Act.

Paraiso warned that the influencers’ content has put Filipinos, particularly minors, at risk.

“They operate with no oversight. They are built to be predatory,” he said.

Gambling ads

Alongside warnings to influencers, authorities are escalating efforts to curb gambling visibility and accessibility.

Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco ordered all licensees and stakeholders to submit a complete inventory of billboard and wallscape advertisements by July 16 and to remove all gambling-related ads no later than Aug. 15 this year.

“While PAGCOR is mandated to regulate the gaming industry and generate revenues for nation-building, we do not want to encourage a culture of gambling addiction,” he said.

The order also covers not only fixed structures but also mobile ads on trains, buses, jeepneys and taxicabs.

Non-compliance, according to PAGCOR, would result in sanctions.

Replacing dismantled ads with new gambling promotions is also prohibited.

Gambling ads, however, continue to proliferate online, making betting easy. — Marco Luis Beech, Marc Jayson Cayabyab