Meta is the parent company of Facebook, a social media giant. According to a new investigation by a non-profit publication, Rest of World, it keeps on promoting online gambling advertisements on its platforms in spite of restrictions in numerous countries. The report raises concerns about the enforcement of the company of both local laws and its own advertising policies.
The analysis found that Meta hosted illegal gambling ads in at least 13 countries where such promotions are not allowed. In spite of Meta officially classifying a lot of these regions as unsupported markets for gambling-related advertising, these ads appeared across Asia, as well as the Middle East.
Online gambling activity surged in India between 2021 and 2024. Falling mobile data costs and widespread smartphone adoption fueled this growth. In August 2024, the Indian government restricted all real-money online gambling and related advertising due to concerns over illegal operators and consumer harm. Yet, Rest of World found at least 140 illegal gambling ads still running on Meta platforms in India as of December 2024. Moreover, the number of active advertisements in January of the current year stands at 910 upon checking Meta Ad Library.
Data from public ad library of Meta showed almost 1,000 active gambling ads across countries. These include Malaysia, Singapore, Pakistan, as well as Saudi Arabia. Another 2,400 ads were inactive. Nonetheless, a lot of pages promoting them remain live, suggesting enforcement is limited over the long term.
Malaysia has emerged as a particular flashpoint. Under Malaysian law, gambling advertising is illegal. Nevertheless, investigators found dozens of pages promoting online betting services on Facebook and Instagram. Analysts say that authorities are struggling to keep pace with fast-moving and anonymous ad networks. This highlights a growing rift between regulators and Meta.
More than 170 gambling ads ran in the Philippines in November last year alone. Many of these ads redirected users to apps promising millions in withdrawals, referral bonuses, and so-called loss rescue schemes. Regulators estimate that more than 60 percent of the country’s online gambling operations are illegal.
