UK Gambling Chief Accuses Meta of Ignoring Illegal Ads
The head of the UK’s Gambling Commission has criticized Meta for its inadequate measures against illegal gambling ads on its platforms. At the ICE 2026 gaming conference held in Barcelona, executive director Tim Miller addressed the challenges posed by illegal gambling operations. These activities threaten to undermine licensed operators and create confusion in the marketplace.
Accusations Against Meta
Miller expressed concerns that Meta’s advertising practices might facilitate illegal gambling. He emphasized that regulators worldwide struggle to distinguish between licensed and illegal operators when the same suppliers and technology firms are involved. This has led to a blurred line in the gambling industry.
- Tim Miller, Executive Director of the UK Gambling Commission
- Event: ICE 2026 gaming conference in Barcelona
- Key issue: Illegal gambling ads on Meta platforms
Meta’s Response to Illegal Ads
Miller highlighted Meta’s claims of not tolerating illegal gambling advertisements as misleading. According to him, the company does not need notifications to identify these ads, as they have the capability to identify and remove them proactively. He noted that searching for terms like “not on Gamstop” reveals numerous illegal gambling ads still running on their platform.
Engagement with Meta
Efforts by the UK Gambling Commission to engage with Meta have yielded minimal results. Miller pointed out that Meta suggested the commission use AI tools to monitor illegal ads, which he found surprising given Meta’s resources. He insisted that it is Meta’s responsibility to combat illegal gambling practices effectively.
Working Together Against Illegal Gambling
Miller called for collaboration among all stakeholders, including governments, regulators, and industry operators, to address illegal gambling. He stressed the importance of creating a clear divide between legal and illegal activities in the market.
- Regulatory clarity is essential for licensed operators.
- Consumers seeking to avoid gambling harm deserve protection.
- Collaboration is needed to combat illegal gambling effectively.
He concluded by urging Meta to consider its position in this debate: whether to prioritize consumer safety or facilitate the activities of criminals exploiting vulnerable individuals through their platforms.
