I am about to return to my usual business after spending 4 days outside: First was the three-day Philippine Game Show in Taguig, second was the long-awaited Miku Expo Manila 2025, and lastly the three two-day rally at Luneta. We talk about the PGS’ debut first.
I’ve yet to gather all the stuff that have happened during the three-day smorgasbord of games, cosplay, and J-pop, but there’s an elephant in the room which needs to be addressed: There was a gambling brand facing the stage area. I do not know why they’ve been placed there, I don’t know why it’s there, but I am made aware of who put them there.
To be quite honest, I am not happy with that elephant in the room. I’ve got sentiments against gambling even before this. We used to see those Bingo Bonanzas at malls for those who want to play, and then we saw the e-Bingo and e-Games (not the game publisher! don’t forget it!).
Then we saw those online casinos and offshore gaming operations popping up in our country. Then there’s the ever-mentioned game of Scatter. Lastly, there’s the inevitable and terrible stories of people losing their money to the House that always wins.
That said, I don’t care who endorses the gaming brand featured there. But Pepperidge Farm remembers what the hell happened to them in Thailand, where Gambling Act 1935 PDF is in effect. tl;dr: except for betting on horse-racing or the government-sanctioned Thai Lottery, any other form of gambling is illegal.
We’ve almost had this scenario with a gambling app which tried to invite cosplayers in a plan to promote their brand at a big cosplay event. I’ve personally reached out a contact within said organization and they have assured me gambling is off-limits at their event. It’s just sad that another gambling brand have been given a pass at PGS, which can be seen by people under the age of 18.
But how about destination estates which also operates casinos? Okada Manila comes to mind first, then Solaire, then Newport World Resorts.
- Yes, Okada’s a good place (bad for commuters, but I think it’s intended by design), and I’m learning how the security balances being cordial and being strict.
- Minors are not allowed to pass through the Casino to reach Cove Manila. You have to pass through the escalators down and up. That’s fine by me.
- If I have an elephant in the room to address, it’s how they have a booth inside cosplay events, as a matter of protocol after allowing the organizers to host their event there.
- I hope there’s ways to keep member registration (which perks include playing in the casino) separate from the actual event vicinity.
- Entry to the Newport Performing Arts Theater is obviously separate from Casinos at Newport.
- The last time I went to Solaire to attend events, we have to pass by the Casino to enter the Grand Ballroom. However, entry to The Theatre is separate from the Casino.
Sure, gambling ads have been rampant on social media and especially on Philippine radio, but I look forward to one day that they face the same treatment as what tobaccco companies face. Republic Act 9211 (2003) has strict prohibitions on promoting tobacco in tri-media and out-of-home. It’s been a long while since I’ve heard tobacco ads on the radio, and obviously they don’t promote at events with audiences below 18 years old. I hope it’s the same with gambling in the future, as I cannot and will not tolerate cosplayers seeing a gambling brand being exhibited at any pop culture event.
On a positive note, I’m happy to share with you that I’m on my way to prepare a story for NewsDrop after talking to two of its VTuber guests.