The Philippines’ crackdown on online gambling promotions has reached two more of the region’s biggest platforms. Following earlier directives that forced GCash and Maya to cut direct links with gambling sites, Grab and Lazada have also stepped in. As of August 18, both companies have removed gambling-related advertisements and storefronts from their apps.
This move comes in response to an order from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), which directed payment and e-wallet providers to stop facilitating transactions linked to online gambling. The central bank’s directive is part of a larger government campaign to address the rapid rise of online gaming and its potential social risks.
Lazada Takes Strong Action
Among the platforms, Lazada has made one of the boldest moves. It not only pulled down ads but also shut down digital storefronts linked to gambling platforms. On top of that, it removed all gambling vouchers from its marketplace.
By doing this, Lazada signaled that it is taking a strict compliance stance. The company also confirmed that it is cooperating closely with regulators to ensure its platform stays clear of unlicensed gambling promotions. For millions of Filipinos who shop daily on Lazada, this means no more unexpected gambling offers popping up alongside their online purchases.
Grab Follows Suit
Grab, the country’s leading super app for ride-hailing, food delivery, and digital payments, also followed BSP’s directive. By cleaning its ecosystem of gambling-related ads, Grab joins other major digital platforms in aligning with the government’s tougher stance on gaming promotions.
For users, this means that gambling ads will no longer appear while booking rides, ordering food, or making payments through GrabPay. It’s part of a larger effort to separate everyday digital services from online gambling, making the distinction between licensed play and risky promotions clearer.
Bigger Picture: A National Campaign
This latest move doesn’t stand alone. It follows recent actions by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), which ordered the removal of physical gambling billboards and outdoor ads nationwide.
The coordinated effort between BSP, PAGCOR, and private platforms shows just how serious regulators are about reshaping how gambling is marketed in the Philippines. From physical billboards along highways to digital storefronts in popular apps, the message is clear: promotions must follow stricter rules, and only licensed, regulated operators can reach Filipino players.
What This Means for Players
First, access to online gaming isn’t completely gone. If you’re interested in licensed online platforms like S5 Casino, you can still play. What’s changing is how you come across these offers. Instead of stumbling upon gambling ads while ordering food or browsing Lazada, you’ll now need to actively visit licensed sites or apps.
Second, the government’s goal here is balance. They’re not banning gaming outright. Instead, they want to reduce the risks of problem gambling, underage access, and exposure to unlicensed platforms. For legitimate operators, this means a stricter set of rules to follow—but it also creates a fairer, clearer playing field.
