Is It Legal To Gamble On Facebook?

Table Of Contents
Gavin Harper
by Gavin Harper
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At some point, you’ve likely wondered whether it’s legal to gamble on Facebook. If that question has crossed your mind more than once, then this blog post is perfect for you! Here we’ll dive into the ins and outs of Facebook gambling; from its legality across different countries to the impact of online casinos, to understand why some of this can cause conflicting actions.

Can gambling be advertised on Facebook?

If you’re looking to advertise online gambling or gaming, there are a few steps you’ll need to take. First, you’ll need to request written permission from Meta using their form, as well as provide evidence that the gambling activities are appropriately licensed by a regulator or established as lawful in the territories you wish to target. Additionally, it is not allowed to target ads at anyone under 18 years of age.

What gambling services can be advertised on Facebook?

Without permission, advertisers can run ads for physical, real-money gambling activities and establishments (such as “brick and mortar” casinos), provided the ad or destination page doesn’t promote online gambling. Ads for state or government lotteries are also allowed, so long as the advertiser is running them directly or exclusively. Prize promotions that involve purchasing a product at its usual retail price can be run, but only if online gambling is not the primary business model of either the advertiser or featured brand. 

Additionally, ads for entirely free-to-play games are permitted. It’s important to remember, though, that all applicable local laws must be obeyed when running these types of ads

Why is Facebook showing gambling ads?

Facebook may display gambling advertisements for a variety of reasons. One probable explanation is that Facebook’s algorithms discovered the user’s interest in gambling-related information, either through online behavior or interactions with gambling-related Facebook pages or groups. Based on this interest, Facebook may then show the user gambling adverts.

Facebook may be presenting gambling adverts for a variety of reasons. One probable explanation is that Facebook’s algorithms discovered the user’s interest in gambling-related information, either through their online behaviour or interactions with gambling-related Facebook pages or groups. Based on this interest, Facebook may then provide gambling adverts to the user.

It’s worth mentioning that Facebook has standards in place to control gambling products and service advertising on its site. Advertisers must follow local laws and regulations, as well as Facebook’s advertising standards, which prohibit certain types of gambling advertisements, such as those that promote illegal or unregulated gaming services.

Users who do not want to view gambling advertisements on Facebook can change their ad choices and opt out of receiving gambling ads. They may also report any advertising they feel are in violation of Facebook’s regulations.

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Is Facebook Responsible for Its Gambling Ads?

It is unclear if Facebook, which housed advertising for online casinos, might be held legally liable for publishing them, despite the fact that the casino is blatantly breaking the law. It is prohibited for a television station or newspaper to run an advertisement for an online casino, according to Professor Christine Parker of the University of Melbourne law school, who is also affiliated with the Australian Ad Observatory. However, there is an exception for digital media platforms situated in the United States.

Facebook is not allowed to show gambling ads in Australia as per the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (the IGA). Despite this, some users have reported seeing gambling-related ads on their news feeds. This can be due to a range of reasons, including advertisers targeting customers outside of Australia or operating illegally.

Facebook has strict advertising policies that prohibit any advertisements related to online gambling and bans them when identified. In addition, they have reinforced their policies by deploying an AI-based monitoring system that automatically detects these ads and blocks them from appearing on their platform.

Can you promote gambling on Facebook ads?

People often ask if online gambling is legal in Australia and are gambling ads allowed.  

The Interactive Gambling Act governs online gambling and advertising in Australia. It prohibits certain online gambling services such as online casinos, in-play sports betting, and sports betting services without an Australian license. These banned services cannot be advertised in Australia, and credit cannot be offered for online betting.

Illegal online gambling services include slots, casino-style games, scratchies, in-play betting on sporting events, and betting and lottery services that are not licensed in Australia. Using these illegal services poses risks, as Australian regulators cannot protect customers in case of disputes or withheld winnings.

As for gambling advertising, it is legal in Australia, but certain rules must be followed, such as not targeting minors and not promoting banned services. However, the amount of money spent on gambling advertising in Australia is a subject of debate and varies depending on the source.

What happens when offshore online casinos target customers in Australia

When offshore online casinos target customers in Australia, they are essentially breaking the law, as it is illegal for online gambling providers to offer certain services to people in Australia under the Interactive Gambling Act. These banned services include online casinos, in-play sports betting, and sports betting services without an Australian license.

If Australian customers use offshore online casinos, they are at risk of being exposed to illegal and unregulated practices, which may lead to the loss of funds or personal information. Additionally, they may not receive the same level of customer protection as they would with a licensed Australian service, making it more difficult to resolve disputes or issues with the provider.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has the authority to take action against offshore gambling providers who target Australian customers by blocking access to their websites or referring them to the Australian Federal Police for criminal investigation. The Australian government also imposes heavy fines on offshore gambling providers that breach the Interactive Gambling Act.

Overall, Australian customers are advised to use licensed and regulated Australian online gambling services to ensure their safety and protection.

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