PAGCOR fines gaming firm P1 million over unauthorized promo featuring Ivana Alawi

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation has fined an online gaming company P1 million for an unauthorized promotional campaign featuring content creator Ivana Alawi.

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco disclosed the penalty during the House of Representatives’ deliberations on the agency’s proposed 2027 budget on Monday, Aug. 24.

Rep. Eli San Fernando raised concern over content creators promoting online gambling. He cited Alawi's July post as an example.

Alawi previously 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. The comment linking the gambling site has since been deleted.

"Wala po kahit saan dito 'yung pagsunod sa [Ad Standards Council], approval po sa PAGCOR," San Fernando said.

Tengco confirmed that the gaming firm ran the promotional campaign without PAGCOR’s approval, prompting the regulator to stop it.

"Hindi po sila humingi ng permiso," he said. "We fined the online gaming company P1 million and together with that a stern warning na hindi na dapat maulit ito."

The PAGCOR head added that a repeat offense could result in heavier fines and other sanctions, including suspension of the company’s license and, ultimately, its cancellation.

The penalty comes as PAGCOR continues to regulate promotional activities by licensed online gaming operators and ensure that their campaigns comply with the agency’s rules.

Earlier in August, Sen. Chiz Escudero filed a bill seeking a nationwide ban on gambling advertisements and sponsorships to discourage compulsive betting and protect minors from promotions.