EU study: Meta ad checks let unlicensed gambling firms in

Dutch trade body VNLOK says a new EU study backs its court case against Meta.

The hit

A European Commission-commissioned study says Meta’s advertiser checks have let unlicensed gambling operators run ads in markets where they hold no licence, according to SBC News. The research, carried out by Open Evidence & Spark Legal, found gambling among six sectors exploited by criminals through online ad systems. The report also said fake apps had been placed on legitimate app stores.

Why it matters

The findings hand ammunition to regulators already pressing Big Tech over ad verification. Dutch trade body VNLOK Chairman Björn Fuchs says the study ties into its court case against Meta over the firm’s “responsibilities based on the Digital Services Act”. VNLOK is demanding stronger verification of gambling advertisers’ licences & better detection of covert illegal campaigns.

The record

Illegal ads found	KSA estimates 4,600+ illegal gambling ads seen on Meta in April 2026 alone
Legal action	VNLOK summoned Meta to court earlier in 2026 over Digital Services Act duties
Industry response	Google updated gambling advertiser certification policy requiring proven compliance record
Counter-example	Meta partnered with Åland’s state-owned operator Paf to work against the illegal gambling market

What happens next

Watch for developments in VNLOK’s Digital Services Act case against Meta, & whether the EU uses the study to push new advertiser-verification rules.

Sources: EU gambling ad report brings more scrutiny for Meta

Named in this story? Reply to newsdesk@infobets.com & we publish it.

18+. Betting involves risk. If gambling is a problem for you or someone close to you, help is available.