Meta Accused of ‘Turning a Blind Eye’ to Illegal Gambling Ads, Says UK Gambling Commission

Meta Accused of ‘Turning a Blind Eye’ to Illegal Gambling Ads, Says UK Gambling Commission

The United Kingdom’s gambling watchdog has issued strong criticism of Meta Platforms, accusing the social media giant of failing to adequately prevent illegal online gambling advertisements from appearing on its platforms. According to the UK Gambling Commission, Meta — which owns Facebook and Instagram — has not taken sufficient action against ads promoting unlicensed gambling websites, despite being repeatedly warned. The issue came to public attention on January 19, 2026, and has reignited debate over the responsibility of major technology companies in regulating harmful digital content.

Speaking at an international gambling industry conference, Tim Miller, Executive Director for Research and Policy at the UK Gambling Commission, said the regulator continues to see a significant number of illegal gambling ads circulating on Meta-owned platforms. Many of these advertisements promote websites that openly advertise themselves as being “Not on GamStop,” a phrase commonly used by unlicensed operators to attract vulnerable users.

GamStop is the UK’s national self-exclusion program, designed to help individuals struggling with gambling addiction voluntarily block themselves from all licensed online gambling services. Gambling sites operating outside this system are illegal in the UK and are often considered higher risk due to weaker consumer protections. Regulators say these operators deliberately target individuals who have already excluded themselves from legal gambling platforms.

Miller rejected Meta’s claims that the company is unaware of such advertisements. He pointed out that Meta’s own advertising library, which is publicly searchable, clearly displays multiple examples of illegal gambling promotions. According to the Commission, if regulators and members of the public can easily locate these ads, Meta has no valid excuse for failing to identify and remove them.

The UK Gambling Commission believes Meta has the technical tools and keyword-detection systems required to prevent such advertisements from being published. However, Miller suggested the company has shown limited progress in addressing the issue. He warned that allowing illegal gambling ads to continue raises serious concerns about whether advertising revenue is being prioritized over user safety.

The problem is particularly serious because these ads often target vulnerable individuals, including young users and people with a history of gambling-related harm. Unlicensed gambling websites frequently lack safeguards such as spending limits, identity verification, and responsible gambling tools. As a result, users exposed to these platforms face increased risks of financial loss, fraud, and addiction.

The UK Gambling Commission has taken enforcement action where possible, issuing hundreds of cease-and-desist notices and reporting hundreds of thousands of illegal web links to search engines for removal. Despite these efforts, regulators say social media platforms remain a key distribution channel for illegal gambling promotions, making cooperation from companies like Meta essential.

Meta has not yet issued a detailed response to the Commission’s latest remarks. In previous statements, the company has said it does not allow illegal gambling advertisements and removes content when it is reported. However, UK regulators argue that relying solely on user reports is inadequate and that platforms must take proactive responsibility for detecting and blocking illegal ads before they reach users.

The dispute highlights a broader global challenge facing regulators as online advertising becomes increasingly automated and cross-border in nature. Governments around the world are questioning whether existing laws are strong enough to hold technology companies accountable for harmful or illegal content promoted on their platforms.

As pressure mounts, the UK Gambling Commission has made it clear that it expects stronger action from Meta and other social media companies. The outcome of this confrontation could play a significant role in shaping future regulations around digital advertising, online gambling, and platform accountability.