Fake iGaming ads continue to plague Meta
Fraudulent iGaming advertisements are still an issue across Meta's Facebook and Instagram platforms. In Canada, regulators have long warned players and all stakeholders about fake online casino promotions.
The issue has again attracted attention in the wake of new research. Apparently, thousands of illegal gambling advertisements reach millions of users on Meta-owned platforms and trick people into joining fake platforms or giving up sensitive data.
Canadian market faces familiar challenges
Although these new cases and stats come from Europe, gaming jurisdictions worldwide face the same problem of combating fake ads that seek to exploit unaware players and markets. The problem is not new for Canadian consumers. Provincial lottery organisations have warned about fraudulent advertisements promoting fake casino apps and gambling products.
Scammers have even used the branding of legitimate Canadian casinos to convince users to join or submit personal information. These ads are damaging trust in regulated gambling markets, and exploiting both players and licensed operators, who must comply with strict advertising and responsible gambling requirements, only for fraudulent advertisers to get away with illegal practice outside regulatory oversight.
Calls for greater consumer protection
Canada's regulated iGaming market is expanding fast, and consumer protection advocates are encouraging players to verify that operators are properly licensed before joining them.
AGCO has been keen on fighting unregulated sites and content, banning even regulators from providing their content to illegitimate casinos, or at least blocking access from Canadian players, or risk losing their license.
According to Meta's policies, gambling advertisers should obtain authorisation before promoting their products and services on the platform. However, these policies are not being enforced as they should because scammers are finding ways around them.
What the means for the industry
Industry commentator Allan Asava says:
“The findings come from the Netherlands, but the concerns are familiar. Indeed, Canadian players have already encountered fake casino ads and scam promotions online, which makes this more than a foreign issue. It highlights a challenge that continues to affect gambling markets across multiple jurisdictions.
Trust matters in a regulated market. Players need confidence that the ads they see are legitimate and safe. When fraudulent promotions continue appearing on major platforms, questions about oversight naturally follow. Regulators and industry stakeholders may increasingly look to social media companies to strengthen enforcement efforts.
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