United Kingdom
Controversy between the UK Gambling Commission and Meta over illegal betting ads
The British Gaming Commission has accused Meta Platforms, owner of Facebook and Instagram, of not acting against illegal advertising of online casinos on its platforms, which suggests that the company was willing to profit from criminal activities.
On Monday, the regulator's executive director, Tim Miller, said Meta seemed to be "turning a blind eye" to illegal gambling ads, despite its wide presence on its social networks.
Miller explained that anyone who had spent even a short period of time on Facebook or Instagram would probably have come across advertisements of illegal online casinos in his feed. He highlighted that many of these gambling sites were not part of the British GamStop self-exclusion scheme, which allows users to block themselves for online gambling.
Meta's claim that it had no knowledge of such advertising until it was notified was "simply false," Miller said during a speech at the ICE Barcelona gaming industry trade show. The statements were later published on the Gambling Commission's website.
"I could give you the impression that they are delighted to turn a blind eye and continue charging money to criminals and scammers until someone shouts it," Miller said.
When asked for comments, Meta said that it applies strict advertising policies related to gambling and online gambling. The company added that any ad that is considered to violate its rules is quickly removed once identified.
Dingnews.com 23/01/2026
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