Archive · 31 Jan 2026
Meta Continues Running Illegal Gambling Ads Despite Bans
Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, has been running ads for illegal online gambling in many countries where it's not allowed.
Even though countries like India and Malaysia have banned these ads and asked Meta to stop, the ads keep appearing.
These ads trick people into signing up for gambling websites and apps.
Meta says it has rules against these ads, but they are still being run.
Governments and groups that protect people's rights online are upset because Meta isn't doing enough to stop these illegal ads.
Some of these ads disappear quickly, making it hard to catch them.
Meta makes a lot of money from these kinds of ads, which has made the problem worse.
Meta continues to run illegal online gambling ads in India and 12 other countries despite bans.
In December 2023, at least 140 banned ads were found in India, and nearly 1,000 ads in other countries.
Meta's policy prohibits gambling ads in 18 countries, but ads were still running in at least 13 of them.
Illegal gambling ads often use fake addresses, short durations, and target users with promises of bonuses and secure transactions.
Governments and regulatory bodies in countries like India, Malaysia, and the Philippines have criticized Meta for not effectively removing these ads.
- Who
- Meta (Facebook and Instagram) and illegal online gambling operators
- What
- Running illegal online gambling ads despite bans in multiple countries
- When
- Between 2021 and 2024, with a focus on December 2023 analysis
- Where
- India, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and other countries
- Why
- To promote illegal online gambling operations and attract users for real-money gambling
- Countries with Bans
- India, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and others
- Number of Ads Found in December
- 140 in India, 1,000 across 12 countries
- Meta's Policy on Gambling Ads
- Prohibited in 18 countries (13 still running ads)
- Meta's Revenue from Fraudulent Ads
- $16 billion (10% of revenue)
- Government Actions
- India and Malaysia have summoned Meta and requested content removal
- Advertisers' Tactics
- Use fake addresses, short ad durations (6-8 hours), and claim U.S. bases
- Regulatory Bodies Involved
- Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, Digital Pinoys, Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center
- Meta's Response
- Did not respond to requests for an interview