The UK Gambling Commission has accused Meta Platforms — the parent company of Facebook and Instagram — of allowing illegal online casino ads to appear on its platforms, effectively profiting from criminal activity.
Speaking at the ICE Barcelona trade show, Tim Miller, the Commission’s executive director, said that many users would likely have seen ads for online gambling sites that do not participate in the UK’s “GamStop” self-exclusion scheme.
“If we can find them, so can Meta,” Miller said, highlighting that the company’s own searchable ad library clearly shows which advertisers claim to be “Not on GamStop.” He described Meta’s claim of ignorance about such ads as “simply false,” adding that the company has made very limited progress in addressing the issue.
The regulator’s warning
Miller warned that Meta’s inaction gives the impression it is willing to “turn a blind eye and continue taking money from criminals and scammers until someone shouts about it.” He stressed that the tech giant could easily prevent such ads using its existing keyword tools.
The statement reflects growing scrutiny of social media platforms and their responsibility for policing advertisements that may facilitate illegal or unregulated activity.
