PAGCOR Fines Gambling Firm P1 Million Over Unauthorized Promotion

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has fined a gambling firm P1 million for an unauthorized iPhone giveaway promotion involving influencer Ivana Alawi. This action followed a budget hearing where concerns were raised regarding collaborations between influencers and gambling companies.

What Happened

PAGCOR imposed a P1 million fine on an online gambling company for its sponsorship of an iPhone giveaway promotion by influencer Ivana Alawi without obtaining prior permission. The promotion, which occurred in July, involved the giveaway of 100 iPhone 17 Pro Max units, valued at approximately P4.28 million, according to Rappler. Prospective participants were instructed to follow Alawi’s “CP Fam” and comment on a specific post to qualify for the giveaway.

The issue gained prominence during the House of Representatives’ committee on appropriations budget hearing for 2027. Kamanggagawa party-list Representative Elijah Fernando expressed surprise and alarm regarding the collaboration between influencers and gambling firms to promote each other. During this hearing, PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco confirmed the fine and issued a stern warning to the online gaming company, stating that such an incident must not recur.

Key Details

• PAGCOR fined the unnamed online gaming company P1 million for the unauthorized promotion (Rappler).
• The promotion involved influencer Ivana Alawi giving away 100 iPhone 17 Pro Max units, purchased for approximately P4.28 million (Rappler).
• Ivana Alawi is a brand ambassador for Casino Plus, an online gaming platform (Rappler).
• PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco issued a stern warning, indicating that future violations could lead to heavier fines, suspension, or license cancellation (Rappler).
• Tengco noted that approximately 50% of current online gaming operators are operating illegally and fall outside PAGCOR’s jurisdiction (Rappler).

Why It Matters

This regulatory action highlights PAGCOR’s efforts to enforce compliance within the online gaming sector, particularly concerning promotional activities involving public figures. The incident underscores the necessity for licensed operators to secure proper authorization for marketing campaigns, especially those that leverage influencer reach. The stated prevalence of illegal online gaming operators, as noted by Chairman Tengco, also points to broader challenges in regulating the digital gambling landscape and protecting consumers from unauthorized entities. The involvement of government bodies like the Department of Information and Communications Technology, National Telecommunications Commission, and Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center in combating illegal operations signifies a coordinated effort to regulate and police the sector.

What’s Next

PAGCOR has issued a warning that repeat offenses by the fined online gaming company could result in more substantial fines, potential license suspension, and ultimately, license cancellation. Chairman Tengco stated that endorsements of this nature require approval from both the Ad Standards Council and PAGCOR. He also mentioned that some influencers and content creators have subsequently withdrawn their sponsorships from unregulated entities to partner with legal operators (Rappler).

Originally reported by Rappler·Published 24 Aug 2026, 10:28