UK Regulator Questions Meta Over Illegal Casino Ads

Summary

Britain’s Gambling Commission has accused Meta of allowing illegal online casino adverts to run on Facebook and Instagram and profiting from them. The regulator says many of the ads promoted sites that bypass the UK’s GamStop self-exclusion programme and that Meta’s own ad library shows advertisers labelling sites “Not on GamStop.” Meta maintains it removes adverts when notified and points to AI detection tools, but the Commission says that response is reactive and insufficient. The problem is not confined to the UK — similar illegal gambling ads have been found on Meta in countries including India, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Romania.

Key Points

The UK Gambling Commission says Meta permitted adverts for unlicensed online casinos that evade GamStop.
Regulator argues Meta profits from these adverts and often acts only after being notified, despite clear ad labels in Meta’s ad library.
Tim Miller of the Commission called the ads “a window into criminality” and urged proactive blocking using existing keyword tools.
Unlicensed operators expose vulnerable users to fraud, avoid taxes and remain a persistent global enforcement challenge.
Meta promises removals on notification and cites AI tools, but the Commission says proactive detection and blocking are lacking.

Context and Relevance

This story matters to regulators, advertisers, platform compliance teams and consumer-protection groups. It highlights the tension between ad revenue models and obligations to prevent harm from unlicensed operators, and may prompt tougher enforcement or policy changes around how social platforms police gambling advertising.

Author style

Punchy: This is important reading if you work in compliance, advertising or gambling regulation — it flags clear operational failings and could presage enforcement action or rule changes that affect marketing and platform liability.

Why should I read this?

Short and blunt: Meta’s taking money while seemingly turning a blind eye. If you want the quick lowdown on where regulators are focusing and what might change next, this saves you time and tells you what to watch for.