The City Council of Cebu City in the Philippines has introduced a gambling advertisement ban, which it says is in response to worries about gambling addiction and the exposure of minors.
The ban was passed on Wednesday and applies to all forms of gambling advertisements, including billboards, posters, printed materials, digital promotions, and LED screens.
As part of its decision, the City Council said that it had a duty to protect the welfare and wellbeing of its constituents, particularly those who were vulnerable. It referred to reports that linked gambling advertisements to addiction, financial problems, and broader social harm.
The resolution also stated that highly visible, unregulated gambling promotions effectively normalized risk-taking behavior and exposed young people to powerful marketing techniques. The City Council noted that the ban is intended to create a healthier media environment.
