UK Gambling Czar: Meta Ignores Illegal Advertising Concerns

The UK’s Gambling Commission has raised serious concerns about Meta, the social media powerhouse, regarding illegal gambling advertisements on its platforms. During the ICE 2026 gaming conference held in Barcelona, Tim Miller, the executive director of the Gambling Commission, criticized Meta’s ability—or lack thereof—to monitor and restrict these illegal activities.

Meta and Illegal Gambling Ads

Miller emphasized that illegal online casinos continue to advertise on Meta’s services. He described this situation as problematic for licensed gambling operators who strive to compete fairly and reduce gambling-related harms. The presence of unregulated competition complicates the Commission’s efforts to oversee legal gambling.

Key Statements from Tim Miller

Miller highlighted several critical points during his discussion:

• Meta claims it removes illegal advertisements when notified, but Miller disputes this, stating their approach implies they are unaware unless alerted.
• He referenced Meta’s searchable ad library, asserting that anyone can discover ads for illegal gambling operations simply by searching terms like “not on Gamstop.”
• “If we can find them, then so can Meta: They simply choose not to look,” Miller asserted.

Limited Engagement with Meta

Miller mentioned that the Gambling Commission has sought to engage with Meta in addressing these concerns. However, he expressed disappointment with the lack of substantial progress, stating that Meta suggested the Commission should independently monitor and report illegal ads.

He expressed skepticism, stating it was surprising that a tech giant like Meta could not utilize its own technology to combat illegal gambling advertising effectively. Miller warned that this inaction gives the impression that Meta is content to benefit financially from criminal activities.

Call for Collaboration

In conclusion, Miller urged for collaboration among government bodies, regulators, and the gaming industry to tackle illegal gambling effectively. He insisted it was time for industry players to stop benefiting from both legal and illegal markets.

“It’s time to work together. It’s time to force them to pick a side,” he remarked, emphasizing that a unified approach is essential in the fight against illegal gambling.

As the discussion unfolds, stakeholders and users alike are watching closely to see how Meta responds to these allegations and if they will take measures to curb illegal advertising on their platforms.