UK regulator accuses Meta of enabling illegal gambling ads on Facebook and Instagram despite knowing about them.

The UK Gambling Commission accuses Meta of knowingly allowing illegal gambling ads on Facebook and Instagram, citing evidence from its ad library showing unlicensed sites—some targeting users who self-excluded via GamStop—running promotions. Executive director Tim Miller called Meta’s claim of unawareness false, stating the company can detect such ads but fails to act, suggesting it profits from both legal and illegal gambling operations. The regulator criticized Meta’s suggestion that regulators use AI to monitor ads, calling it an unacceptable shift of responsibility. It urged tech firms to choose sides, warning that enabling illicit gambling undermines efforts to protect vulnerable users.