Maine Mendoza has spoken up on the discussion surrounding online betting endorsements from celebrities. ICYDK, Maine is an endorser of a digital bingo company.
In an October 2024 interview with PEP.ph via Facebook Messenger, Maine pointed out that people can always subscribe to "responsible gambling," and that's something that she and the brand she's endorsing align with.
"I decided to endorse Bingo Plus because I was impressed by their commitment to responsible gambling," she voiced out. Maine added that the brand she is currently endorsing has been prioritizing transparency and fairness.
Maine further explained her views about the online betting industry. As she acknowledged the risks and dangers that may result from gambling in general, she noted that celebrities who are endorsers of these mechanisms are actually avenues to promote awareness on how to responsibly play.
"I understand that many people are concerned about gambling due to the risks of addiction and financial loss. Promoting awareness and responsible play is essential in minimizing those risks," Maine highlighted.
Maine Mendoza and other celebrities promote online gambling
For the most part, the discourse on online gambling promotions was triggered when Nadine Lustre joined the growing list of celebrities accepting endorsements and partnerships with online gambling companies. ICYDK, celebs like Piolo Pascual, Alden Richards, Luis Manzano, and more are also the faces of some online gambling brands—or "recreational gambling" as it's called.
In the middle of November 2024, the Internet expressed their dismay over Nadine becoming an online gambling endorser after she revealed her new brand deal through a Facebook Post. Some of her followers called her out for allegedly validating the notion of gambling for the public. As we all know, Nadine has a huge following on social media and is one of the most influential A-listers in the entertainment industry.
Nadine had kept mum about the issue at hand until one user brought the matter of online gambling to her Instagram Broadcast Channel. On December 3, 2024, Nadine posted a question asking about her followers' December plans. One follower replied, "Magsugal," putting more fire into the heated topic.
The 31-year-old actress did not call out the person who replied. Instead, she simply responded with, "Choice mo 'yan." It was the first and last time that the public heard from Nadine when it comes to her online betting endorsement as of writing.
