What is the Indonesian government doing to address the issue of illegal online gambling ads on social media?

The Indonesian government has taken several steps to address the issue, including removing over 5.7 million pieces of gambling-related online content over the past 8 years, and arresting at least 85 influencers last year for promoting online betting.

How are gambling promoters in Indonesia circumventing the ban on online gambling ads?

Gambling promoters are using deceptive tactics, such as disguising their paid ads as innocuous content like health tips, in order to reach users on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.

What is the impact of these deceptive gambling ads on Indonesian social media users?

According to a study by Indonesian research firm Populix, 98% of social media users in Indonesia have been exposed to gambling promotions, and 32% of those users say they eventually tried online gambling after seeing such ads in their feeds.

Home / Technology / Indonesia Battles Deceptive Social Media Ads Promoting Illegal Online Gambling

Indonesia Battles Deceptive Social Media Ads Promoting Illegal Online Gambling

16 Nov

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Summary

Indonesian authorities have removed over 5.7 million pieces of gambling-related online content in 8 years
Gambling ads disguised as innocuous content bypass Meta's ban in Indonesia
98% of Indonesian social media users exposed to gambling promotions, 32% tried online gambling

Indonesia Battles Deceptive Social Media Ads Promoting Illegal Online Gambling

As of November 2025, Indonesian authorities have been engaged in an ongoing battle against the proliferation of deceptive online gambling advertisements on social media platforms. Over the past eight years, they have taken down more than 5.7 million pieces of gambling-related content, but the problem persists.

Gambling promoters have been using sophisticated tactics to circumvent the ban on such advertisements in Indonesia. They are disguising their paid ads as innocuous content, such as tips for treating diabetes or promoting the health benefits of fruits, in order to reach users on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. This has proven to be a major challenge for Meta, the parent company of these platforms, which could potentially face government sanctions if it fails to address the violations.