SHOWBIZ SCANDAL ERUPTS: Vice Ganda Branded a HYPOCRITE for Endorsing Online Gambling After Publicly Opposing It — Netizens Furious Over “Double Standards”!

The Unkabogable Star is in Deep Trouble.

Vice Ganda, the flamboyant and fearless superstar known for his wit, humor, and outspoken views, is now facing the biggest controversy of his career. A recently released endorsement deal with a popular online gambling platform has ignited a social media firestorm—and fans are NOT laughing.

The outrage stems from one glaring issue: Vice has previously made bold public statements condemning gambling, especially in relation to its negative impact on families, mental health, and the youth. But now, after being spotted in a flashy new commercial promoting an online casino app, fans are accusing him of being nothing less than a full-blown hypocrite.

And this time, his charm might not be enough to save him.

THE VIRAL COMMERCIAL THAT STARTED IT ALL

Just days ago, a glitzy commercial dropped on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram showing Vice Ganda—draped in a sequined gold suit, laughing alongside dancers and influencers—promoting a new mobile online gambling platform called “LuckyPlay PH.” The ad features upbeat music, promises of “easy money,” and Vice saying:

“Panalo lagi basta masaya ka! Download now and enjoy the thrill with LuckyPlay!”

Within hours, “VICE GANDA HYPOCRITE” trended on X (formerly Twitter), as netizens unearthed old video clips of Vice expressing disdain for gambling.

NETIZENS CALL OUT THE “DOUBLE STANDARD”

Screenshots and compilations of Vice’s past interviews quickly resurfaced.

In a 2022 “Gandang Gabi Vice” episode, he said:

“I don’t believe in gambling. It destroys families. Once you start relying on luck, you lose control of your life.”

On TikTok, fans reposted this quote next to clips of the LuckyPlay ad. The caption?

“What happened, Vice? Is money more important than your morals?”

The backlash has been swift and brutal.

@WokePinoy2025: “Vice Ganda literally preached about the dangers of gambling—and now he’s the face of it? This is beyond disappointing.”

@MoralCompassPH: “He’s not just endorsing a product. He’s endorsing a vice. This could affect thousands of young fans who look up to him.”

FORMER SUPPORTERS SPEAK OUT

What’s especially shocking is that even some of Vice’s most loyal followers have expressed betrayal.

Marie Lucero, 36, a mother of three and long-time Vice Ganda fan, posted a now-viral Facebook rant:

“I’ve supported Vice since Showtime’s early years. But this hurts. My husband lost his job in 2020 and turned to online sabong and gambling. It destroyed us. Now Vice is promoting the very thing that ruined my family?”

Dozens of similar stories have poured in from fans who once saw Vice as a symbol of hope, laughter, and moral clarity, only to now feel deceived.

ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY IN SHOCK

Sources from the entertainment world say even some of Vice’s colleagues were caught off guard by the endorsement deal.

One Showtime staff member, speaking on condition of anonymity, said:

“We always thought Vice wouldn’t touch anything gambling-related. This deal came out of nowhere. The production team is shaken.”

An insider close to Vice also revealed that the deal was worth over ₱25 million, with additional bonuses based on user registrations and app downloads.

“It’s a massive paycheck. But the timing, considering the country’s rising gambling addiction rates, couldn’t be worse.”

GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND ADVOCACY GROUPS RESPOND

Even public officials have chimed in.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, a known advocate for digital safety and mental health, commented during a press briefing:

“Celebrities hold influence. When they promote gambling, especially online platforms that are easily accessible to minors, it sets a dangerous precedent.”

Meanwhile, anti-gambling advocacy groups such as “Pamilya First PH” and “Bantay Kabataan” are calling for an investigation into the legality of the endorsement.

In a joint statement, they wrote:

“We demand accountability from celebrities who profit off platforms that exploit vulnerable sectors. Vice Ganda should publicly explain his actions—or drop the endorsement entirely.”

SILENCE FROM VICE GANDA… FOR NOW

As the backlash escalates, Vice has remained silent on all his social media platforms.

Fans are watching his Instagram and Twitter accounts, expecting a statement, apology, or at least a clarification. So far, nothing.

But silence, as they say, can be deafening.

Many believe the damage control may already be underway behind the scenes. There are unconfirmed reports that Vice’s legal team is preparing a formal statement while simultaneously negotiating with the gambling platform to either revise or withdraw the campaign.

DAMAGE TO HIS IMAGE?

Vice Ganda has built a career not just on comedy, but on being relatable, authentic, and grounded—qualities that helped him transcend from drag performer to mainstream superstar, game show host, movie icon, and entrepreneur.

But this scandal may be a turning point.

Media analyst Karen Javier said:

“It’s a critical moment. If he doesn’t address this soon, the hypocrisy label could stick. And in the era of cancel culture, even the most beloved stars aren’t immune.”

CAN HE REDEEM HIMSELF?

Vice Ganda has survived controversies before—from jokes gone too far, to political statements—but this one is different. This strikes at the core of who he claims to be: a voice of the people, a protector of values, and an advocate for the downtrodden.

Will he issue a heartfelt apology? Will he drop the endorsement? Or will he double down and say, “It’s just business”?

Some fans remain hopeful.

@StillBelieveInVice: “He made a mistake, but I know Vice has a good heart. I hope he does the right thing.”

CONCLUSION

This isn’t just a celebrity drama—it’s a national conversation about accountability, influence, and integrity. At a time when many Filipinos are struggling financially and mentally, a powerful figure like Vice Ganda choosing to endorse an addictive, high-risk platform feels like a betrayal to many.

Will this scandal mark the beginning of his fall—or the start of a public reckoning?

One thing is certain: the public isn’t just watching. They’re demanding answers.

Stay tuned.