TikTok to halt gambling ads in the Philippines
TikTok will temporarily stop igaming ads in the Philippines on 22 August.
According to TikTok’s new policy, gambling ads, online and offline, are permitted only if they meet specific requirements, including approval from a sales representative and a restriction to users 25 and older.
Non-casino games are banned, except for “fantasy sports” that comply with the same standards.
TikTok reaffirmed its commitment to cooperate with Philippine authorities, emphasizing that its ad policies were designed to protect users by requiring proper licenses and strict age restrictions.
For social casino games that do not involve real-world financial value, TikTok requires access to be limited to users 18 and older, with a disclaimer that no real-world rewards are offered.
The platform said it also will pause its real-money gambling advertising policy while awaiting final regulatory guidelines from relevant authorities.
Henry Aguda, Secretary at the Department of Information and Communications Technology, confirmed the news, saying, “it shows that even major global platforms are willing to join us in our cause. Through Digital Bayanihan, we are proving that when the government, private sector, and the people work together, we can ensure that the internet is not only fast and affordable, but also safe and responsible.”
The move comes after igaming transactions in the Philippines fell 50% after the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas ordered e-wallets in the country to delink with gambling platforms.
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