UK Regulator Slams Meta for Allowing Illegal Gambling Ads on Social Media
At the ICE 2026 conference in Barcelona, UK Gambling Commission boss Tim Miller called out Meta (Facebook and Instagram) for letting illegal offshore casinos flood its platforms with ads. Especially ones targeting problem gamblers who are supposed to be blocked by the UK’s GamStop self-exclusion system, as GamblingInsider reports.
Problem Gambling Ads Slip Through Meta’s Filters
Miller pointed out that anyone scrolling Facebook or Instagram will quickly spot ads for black-market sites promising “not on GamStop”. These operators prey on excluded players desperate to keep gambling, and Miller says Meta could easily spot them using its own ad library search tool.
Meta, however, claims it doesn’t allow illegal gambling ads and removes them when reported, but Miller called that stance “simply false” — the problem is obvious and widespread.
Limited Progress
A Reuters investigation last November estimated Meta might earn up to 10% of its 2024 revenue ($164.5 billion) from questionable or outright illegal ads, including gambling. Internal docs reportedly showed the company viewed potential billion-dollar fines as manageable.
Efforts by the UKGC to get Meta to proactively block these ads have seen only “limited progress”. Miller accused the company of turning a blind eye to criminal revenue until someone complains.
This fits a bigger pattern: regulators in Brazil, Malaysia, India, and the Philippines have all pushed Meta hard in 2025 over illegal gambling and scam ads. In the US, the shift away from third-party fact-checking has raised more concerns about weak ad controls.
Real-Life Consequences
Miller linked the issue to real harm, referencing recent cases like the suicide of a soccer fan who struggled with gambling and was targeted by GamStop-bypassing sites. While not directly blamed on Meta, it shows why regulators are so frustrated.
So the question isn’t whether illegal ads exist on Meta’s platforms — it’s whether Meta will finally take real steps to stop them instead of just reacting after the damage is done.
We want to remind you that gambling can be addictive. If you notice any signs of gambling addiction, please seek help at gambleaware.com. For more support and information, visit our Responsible Gambling section.
Too bored to read this article? Watch video on our YouTube channel and subscribe for more videos!
Author: Alex Andreyev (Senior Content Writer)
Alex is a seasoned media professional with over a decade of experience in journalism and digital content creation. With a keen passion for new technologies and the gaming industry, Alex delivers engaging and insightful content that keeps readers informed about the latest trends, innovations, and opportunities in the world of iGaming.