Paf and Meta launch pilot to tackle illegal casino ads
Åland-based operator Paf has launched a pilot with Meta to curb advertising for unlicensed online casinos on Facebook and Instagram. The partnership was announced at SBC Summit.
How it will work
Paf will give Meta licensing documents and web addresses so the platform can tell licensed operators apart from unlicensed sites and the affiliates that promote them. The first phase builds a model for Switzerland that could later be extended to other markets. Paf's Jesper Eliasson said Meta does not want illegal operators on its platforms, but admitted success is not guaranteed.
- Paf shares licences and URLs with Meta.
- The pilot starts in Switzerland.
- Dutch association VNLOK counted more than 70,000 gambling ads on Meta in Q4 2025.
Pressure on Meta
VNLOK has taken Meta to court over illegal gambling ads. It says 95% of the ads it found came from unlicensed operators and fewer than 5% were removed. Chairman Björn Fuchs wants Meta to take responsibility.
Our advice
An ad on social media is no proof that a casino is safe. Check the licence before you sign up, read our casino reviews and our tips on responsible gaming.
Source: SBC News, 6 October 2026. This article is a short summary of the original report.