LIST: These content creators are against online gambling

Several content creators have expressed their opposition to online gambling.

This comes after Ivana Alawi announced she would be giving away 100 iPhone 17 units to her fans. To qualify, participants had to share the video, comment their favorite color, and follow the Facebook page of a gambling platform, as linked in the comment section. As of writing, the comment appears to have been removed. 

Over the weekend, personalities from different corners of social media—from travel vloggers, entrepreneurs, and educators—have shared personal experiences about turning down offers from gambling companies and questioned the role influencers play in shaping public behavior.

Their statements highlighted growing concerns over the increasing visibility of gambling content online and the responsibility that comes with having a large audience. 

Here are some of the content creators who voiced their concerns: 

Jax Reyes

Finance content creator Jax Reyes hit on gambling in the Philippines, citing a report on the large number of gamblers in the country as shown by PAGCOR data from last year.

"Nakakatakot na ang sitwasyon dahil mula sa 469,000 na players noong 2018, umabot na sa 32 million Filipinos ang nag-o-online gamble ngayon. Kalahati na 'yan ng working-age population natin!" he wrote on July 18.

'I want to be clear that I will NEVER promote online gambling. Kahit gaano kalaki ang i-offer nila, I refuse to trade your peace of mind for a quick paycheck. Sugal ruins lives, kaya tinawag na itong 'public health crisis' ng Catholic Bishops' Conference. Hindi na ito simpleng laro lang. Ilan na ang mga kwento na nababalita pati mga nagmemessage na lulong sila sa sugal at lubog sa utang dahil dito."

In another video, Reyes asserted that there's no such thing as "playing responsibly."

"Dapat i-limit daw, turuan daw mag-play responsibly. 'Day, walang ganoon. If they want to play, you'll get hooked, you'll get addicted, that's the whole point of gambling."

Your Millennial Psychologist

Riyan Portuguez, the creator behind Your Millennial Psychologist, recalled an instance of getting an invite to promote gambling, which she rejected.

"Noong 2025, may nag-reach out sa akin for “responsible gaming”. Mahirap ‘yan. Kasi kahit anong pagpapaganda natin ng term, malaki ang risk na malululong ‘yan lalo na’t may itinaya ang isang tao," she said.

Portuguez also underscored the importance of influence as a content creator, "Malaki ang tulong mo sa circle of influence mo! 'Di mo kailangang maging artista o content creator para magsabi ng 'no'. Ang simpleng pag-ignore, report, at call out ay mahalaga."

The Poor Traveler

Following Jax Reyes' lead, travel content creator Poor Traveler, made up by Vins and Yosh, shared that they were also invited to collaborations by gambling-related companies.

"We’re not above having fun here and there. But we draw the line at promoting gambling in exchange for money," they said. "We’ve seen people around us lose WAY MORE than just money because of it. It’s not something we feel comfortable encouraging." 

"We’re a travel platform, and travel is not cheap. Mas maigi pang gumastos sa memorable experiences with our loved ones kaysa isugal ang mga ipon natin sa laro na madalas naman ay talo ka and walang kasiguraduhan. 

Carlo Ople

Hobbies content creator and entrepreneur Carlo Ople slammed influencers saying gambling is a personal choice. He argued that influencers are responsible for their audience. 

"YOU are RESPONSIBLE for what you introduce to the audience you built. Again, we reiterate our call and appeal to PAGCOR and the Ad Standards Council of the Philippines to BAN Influencers and Celebrities from promoting gambling and casinos," he said in a July 18 Facebook post. 

Jacque Manabat

Multimedia journalist and creator Jacque Manabat recalled not accepting any invites to gambling in a July 18 Facebook post.

"I won’t deny that I have received offers to promote ‘responsible gambling.’ ‘Di ko rin gets bakit pati ako kasama sa e-mail blast nila eh mula noon hindi na ako sang-ayon sa sugal. Ni isang post promoting gambling WALA."

She also called on online content creators to be mindful in using their influence, "Magiging proud ka ba sa paghikayat sa mga sumusuporta sa’yo na mag-sugal? Isa man o higit sa isang milyon pa ang ‘followers’ mo, you are responsible for the lives you reach. Kailan pa naging 'responsable' ang pagsugal ng pinaghirapang kita o sahod?"

Lyqa Maravilla

Educational content creator Lyqa Maravilla did not mince words when she criticized big celebrities and famous influencers endorsing gambling, questioning their motivation.

"Pag maliliit na influencers [ang] nag-eendorse ng sugal, medyo gets ko pa, e. Marahil matindi ang pangangailangan o ngayon lang nagkaroon ng pagkakataon upang makaahon," she said. "Pero yung mga malalaking artista na o higante ang following, yun ang mahirap maintindihan. Kasi, sa totoo lang ha, gaano pa ba kalaking pera ang kailangan ninyo, mga mhie?"

"Ang laki na ninyo kumita. Marangya na ang pamumuhay ninyo. 'Di ba dapat mas mahirap ka nang mabili?"

In another video, Maravilla said she would never partner with gambling platforms, no matter the offer.

"They offer life-changing amounts of money but at the cost of ruined lives. Kaya dito sa Team Lyqa, NEVER EVER. #NoToGambling."