PGMN Anchor Mervin Kei, who spent 13 years working for one of Europe’s largest online gaming companies, called for an investigation into a Casino Plus video that appeared to present online gambling as easy and risk-free.
“Sobrang misleading and illegal nung video promo ng CasinoPlus,” Oliveros said in a Facebook post, questioning whether the ad complied with Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and Ad Standards Council regulations.
Oliveros challenged the video’s “98% RTP” claim, stressing that it does not mean an individual player has a 98% chance of winning.
“98% RTP does not mean you have a 98% chance of winning. It is a theoretical average calculated across millions of rounds and every player on the platform,” he said.
The video begins with the host asking a tricycle driver how much he earns in one day before inviting him to choose a game from CasinoPlus’ “98% RTP” section. A ₱100 bet supposedly becomes ₱200, after which the host increases the amount to ₱1,000 and hands the cash to the driver. The video ends with “napakadaling manalo.”
Oliveros said RTP is a long-term theoretical average calculated across many wagers. It does not guarantee a return in one bet or one session, and a player may still lose everything wagered.
The material may also conflict with Ad Standards Council Circular No. 2026-008, which says gambling ads across broadcast, digital, print and out-of-home media should not show or mention casino games and equipment. The CasinoPlus video names baccarat, blackjack and color games while showing an actual wager.
The circular allows prohibited materials to face a cease-and-desist order, with PAGCOR furnished a copy.
Oliveros said the contradiction could also be seen in CasinoPlus’ own public messaging.
“CasinoPlus states on its own website that it is PAGCOR-licensed, and that same website says gambling does not guarantee earnings,” he said.
Oliveros said the video raises serious regulatory questions because it was structured around a worker’s income, an instant win, a larger cash handout, the display of casino games and a direct claim that gambling was easy
