PH creator, influencer council issues stance against illegal online gambling promotions by Filipino creators

Philippines — The Creator and Influencer Council of the Philippines (CICP) has issued an official statement addressing the promotion of illegal online gambling by creators and influencers. The move comes amid growing public concern over gambling-related content and advertising across digital and physical platforms.

The CICP has stated that it does not condone the use of creators and influencers to promote illegal online gambling in any form. The council also advised its members to avoid promoting such activities due to the significant risk of public harm, including the exploitation of individuals and communities.

The council also clearly stated their position to not engage in, endorse, or participate in any marketing or promotional activity that involves unlawful activities, including illegal online gambling, operators, platforms, or websites. 

Creators are also encouraged to collaborate only with brands and campaigns that comply with all applicable laws and uphold responsible content practices. In July this year, Meta has also ordered the deletion of multiple Filipino celebrity pages who recently promoted online gambling sites. 

This stance, according to the council, reflects its responsibility to its members and the wider public, ensuring creators uphold integrity in their work and align with industry best practices. It also supports ongoing government efforts to curb the spread of illegal gambling, such as the removal of unauthorized advertisements and restrictions on access to gambling platforms via local e-wallet services.

The CICP notes that these developments heighten the risks of exposure for the public, particularly for younger audiences. With creators and influencers being increasingly used to amplify such promotions, the council has established a set of clear guidelines for the industry.

“As a council representing the interests of creators and influencers, we believe it is our duty to set clear standards that prioritise safety, legality, and ethical responsibility,” said Jel Directo, president of the Creator and Influencer Council of the Philippines. “By taking a firm stance against illegal online gambling promotions, we aim to protect both creators and audiences from the harmful effects of these unlawful activities.”

In recent months, there has been an increase in gambling promotions, to which the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the Ad Standards Council (ASC) signed in agreement to regulate. 

The Department of Information and Communications Technology or DICT has also announced on August the permanent halting to all real money gambling (RMG) ads across social media platforms, especially on TikTok.

The CICP has called on creators, brands, and platforms to uphold these standards to help foster a safe and responsible digital content environment.