The United Kingdom’s Gambling Commission has raised serious concerns over Meta Platforms, alleging that the social media giant is failing to take adequate action against illegal gambling advertisements appearing on its platforms. According to the regulator, Meta — the parent company of Facebook and Instagram — is “turning a blind eye” to unlicensed online casinos that continue to promote their services to UK users in violation of gambling laws.

In a statement released on Monday, the Gambling Commission said it has repeatedly identified advertisements from illegal gambling operators being circulated across Meta’s platforms. These ads, often promoting unlicensed online casinos and betting services, are reportedly reaching millions of users, including vulnerable individuals and minors, despite clear regulations prohibiting such promotions in the UK.

Under British law, only gambling operators licensed by the UK Gambling Commission are permitted to advertise their services to UK consumers. The regulator emphasized that social media platforms have a responsibility to ensure that paid advertisements comply with national laws and do not facilitate illegal activities. However, the Commission believes Meta’s current enforcement mechanisms are insufficient and inconsistently applied.

“These illegal operators are exploiting weaknesses in platform controls,” the Commission said, adding that Meta has the technological capability to detect and block such content but has failed to do so effectively. The regulator warned that allowing such advertisements undermines consumer protection and increases the risk of gambling-related harm.

The issue of illegal gambling ads on social media has gained increasing attention in recent years, as digital platforms have become a primary marketing channel for offshore betting companies. Many of these operators are based outside the UK and deliberately target British users without obtaining the necessary licenses, often offering bonuses and promotions that breach UK advertising standards.

Consumer advocacy groups have also expressed concern, arguing that illegal gambling ads can mislead users, offer little to no player protection, and expose individuals to fraud. Unlike licensed operators, illegal casinos are not required to follow responsible gambling measures, such as age verification, self-exclusion schemes, or limits on gambling spending.

Meta has previously stated that it prohibits ads for illegal gambling and requires advertisers to obtain written permission before promoting gambling-related content. However, the Gambling Commission’s comments suggest that enforcement gaps remain, allowing unlawful operators to slip through the system.

The regulator has urged Meta and other tech companies to strengthen their ad approval processes, improve monitoring, and cooperate more closely with authorities. Failure to do so, it warned, could result in further regulatory scrutiny and potential legal consequences.

As governments worldwide tighten regulations on online gambling, this latest development highlights the growing pressure on social media giants to take greater responsibility for the content and advertisements hosted on their platforms. The UK Gambling Commission reiterated that protecting consumers, particularly young people, remains its top priority and that technology companies must play their part in preventing illegal gambling activities.