TikTok Halts Gambling Ads in PH, Brazil Demands Meta Remove Illegal Betting Content

TikTok has suspended all advertisements related to real money gambling in the Philippines, starting immediately. The move follows concerns raised by local authorities over the growing risks of online gambling on digital platforms.

Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda announced the development on Wednesday, calling it a significant win for digital safety in the country.

“It shows that even major global platforms are willing to join us in our cause,” Aguda said in Filipino. “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.”

TikTok confirmed the decision and said it would continue working with Philippine regulators to maintain a safe and positive environment for users. The platform highlighted that its advertising rules already included strict requirements, such as proper licenses and age restrictions.

Under its policy, gambling-related ads in the Philippines are only permitted for users aged 25 and above and must go through eligibility checks with a TikTok sales representative. Non-casino games are mostly prohibited, with fantasy sports allowed under similar restrictions.

Social casino games that don’t offer real-world payouts may be advertised to users 18 and older, provided it's made clear that no actual prizes are involved.

For now, TikTok has paused all real money gambling ads while awaiting final guidance from local regulators.

Lawmaker Pushes for Total Online Gambling Ban

Despite TikTok’s action, Mamamayang Liberal party-list Representative Leila de Lima argued that a complete ban on online gambling is necessary to curb its negative effects.

“It is a good development that the links to online gambling have been removed from e-wallets, but this is not enough. They will always find ways to entice Filipinos through so many platforms,” De Lima said during a budget hearing for the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

She criticized the argument that banning online gambling would harm government funding, particularly for healthcare services, and emphasized the addictive nature of both legal and illegal gambling platforms.

PAGCOR chairman Alejandro Tengco acknowledged that many Filipinos struggle to differentiate between legitimate and illicit gambling services, adding that the agency needs to explore alternative revenue sources that don’t jeopardize public welfare.

Brazil Gives Meta 48 Hours to Remove Unauthorized Betting Ads

In Brazil, Meta is under pressure to take down illegal gambling advertisements across Facebook and Instagram. The Attorney General’s Office (AGU) has given the tech giant 48 hours to comply with its order, citing numerous paid ads promoting companies not licensed to operate in the country.

This directive is based on Ordinance 1,207, introduced in July 2024, which requires betting companies to secure authorization from the Ministry of Treasury. Ads from unapproved firms are therefore deemed illegal.

The AGU warned these operators could be linked to crimes such as fraud, tax evasion, and money laundering. It also referenced a July ruling by Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court, which holds platforms accountable for failing to remove unlawful paid content.

Meta stated its policy allows gambling ads only where legally permitted and said it continues to improve enforcement. However, the AGU noted ongoing “flaws” in Meta’s system and warned that failure to act could result in legal consequences.

Source:

“TikTok halts real money gambling ads starting today”, philstar.com, August 22, 2025

“AGU notifica Meta para remoção de publicidade ilegal de jogos e apostas on-line”, gov.br, Aug 13, 2025