Indonesian authorities have raised concerns over deceptive gambling advertisements targeting users on Meta platforms, despite strict national laws and a government crackdown on illegal betting. An AFP investigation found dozens of paid ads disguised as harmless content, such as video games or health tips, that redirect users to online gambling sites.
Online and offline gambling is illegal in Indonesia, yet the sector continues to generate billions of dollars annually. The ads appear on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, often disguised as content promoting video games or treatments for conditions like diabetes. Users have reported encountering such ads repeatedly, even after reporting them to Meta.
One user, 32-year-old gamer Zee, said: “I suspect their target is people who like playing games, therefore children can also see such advertisements.” Another user, Moli, 24, added that despite reporting the ads, they continue to reappear.
Meta has yet to comment publicly, but AFP reported that nearly two dozen sample advertisements were removed following the investigation. Indonesian authorities noted they have removed more than 5.7 million pieces of gambling-related content online over the past eight years, and at least 85 influencers were arrested last year for promoting online betting. Violations carry steep penalties, including up to 10 years in prison for promoting gambling and up to four years for participating.
The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs regularly requests platforms to remove gambling content and issues warnings if they fail to comply. Alexander Sabar, director general for digital space supervision, warned: “Continued inaction will result in a third warning letter sent to the platform, which carries additional penalties and may lead to access termination.” TikTok’s operating license was temporarily suspended in October after refusing to provide data related to suspected online gambling monetisation.
Between September and November, AFP found dozens of active gambling ads in the Meta Ad Library targeting Indonesian users. Some used innocuous titles, such as “Pomegranate: The Exotic Red Fruit Rich in Benefits”, but redirected users to betting websites promising instant wins.
Research by Indonesian firm Populix, shared with AFP, revealed that 98% of social media users in Indonesia have been exposed to gambling promotions, with 32% trying online gambling after seeing ads and 4% continuing to gamble. Populix research manager Nazmi Tamara said: “The advertisements promised a win or jackpot.”
Betting content appears in multiple forms, including comments, video overlays, and direct promotion of gambling platforms. The Indonesian Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center reported that online gambling transactions reached 927 trillion rupiah (US$55.7 billion) between 2017 and Q1 2025, with 80% of users being students or low-income individuals.
The government is urging all social media platforms to strengthen ad detection and moderation systems in accordance with Indonesian laws and warned that repeated violations could lead to enforcement actions, including access termination.
