Ukraine’s PlayCity blocked Instagram accounts belonging to named bloggers and 20 other accounts over advertising for illegal online casinos. The regulator said some influencers had pretended to win money and described the advertising as manipulative and unlawful.
Operators and advertisers face enforcement over social-media promotion of illegal gambling in Ukraine.
| Date | Company | Amount | Story | Appeal status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not named | Not stated | PlayCity launches tool to track illegal gambling websites in Ukraine | Not stated | |
| Pin-up | Not stated | PlayCity revokes PIN-UP online casino licence in Ukraine | Not stated |
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Ukraine’s gambling regulator PlayCity said it has begun working with YouTube to detect and remove illegal gambling advertising more quickly. The agency said one channel with more than 3,000 subscribers was taken down and a video promoting an illegal casino was removed from a channel with over 133,000 subscribers. PlayCity also said gambling licensing procedures have moved online through the Diia platform.
Sweden’s Consumer Ombudsman is taking Postcode Lottery to court to seek a ban on its Instagram advertising. The ombudsman argues that the advertising fails to meet moderation requirements.
The UK Advertising Standards Authority upheld a complaint about a PokerStars Instagram advert featuring two influencers and banned it from being used again in its current form. Stars Interactive admitted the advert breached the CAP Code and said it removed it after complaints; the ASA said future adverts must not present gambling as investment or encourage socially irresponsible behaviour.
Meta has introduced immediate requirements for gambling advertising on Facebook and Instagram, including written permission and supporting documentation from advertisers. The rules cover affiliate and influencer promotions, while excluding social casino and free-play products without monetary prizes; ads must not target users under 18.
Brazil's Ministry of Justice requested the removal of 348 Instagram profiles it said promoted illegal betting, with those accounts reaching more than 150 million followers. Since 25 September, authorities have identified more than 60,000 websites, profiles and channels linked to illegal gambling; the ministry's figures do not necessarily represent completed removals.
Brazil's Ministry of Justice has requested the removal of 348 Instagram profiles used to promote illegal betting. The accounts have more than 150 million followers, the ministry said in a statement dated 9 November.