Last updated: October 2026
Quick answer: Gambling advertising laws vary hugely around the world. Regulated markets such as the UK, Spain, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, the Philippines and South Africa (for sports betting) allow licensed operators to advertise under strict rules. Others, such as Italy, limit nearly all gambling ads. And in many countries, including India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore (for unlicensed operators) and Chile, advertising online gambling is illegal. Always check the law of the country you target, not the one you are licensed in.
This page summarises gambling advertising rules in key markets, with links to our detailed country guides. Laws change often, so treat this as a starting point and confirm with local counsel.
Regulated markets (licensed operators may advertise, with rules)
| Market | Key advertising rules |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | CAP/BCAP codes; no strong appeal to under-18s; under-25s barred from most ads; prominent bonus terms (UK Gambling Commission) |
| Spain | Spanish licence; audiovisual time and content limits remain after 2024 court ruling (Osborne Clarke) |
| Ireland | Watershed between 5:30am and 9pm under the 2024 Act (SiGMA) |
| Brazil | SPA licence since 2025; new ad limits proposed (Vixio) |
| Colombia, Peru | National online licences (Coljuegos, MINCETUR) |
| Philippines | PAGCOR licence; prime-time broadcast ban; pre-screening of digital promotions (iGaming Business) |
| South Africa | Provincial bookmaker licences; online casinos illegal; helpline required in ads (Chambers) |
| Nigeria | State-based licensing since November 2024; URC for online in member states |
| Australia | Licensed wagering only; online casino and online in-play betting illegal |
Heavily restricted markets
| Market | Position |
|---|---|
| Italy | 2018 Dignity Decree bans most gambling ads and sponsorship |
| Croatia | From 2026, print ads banned and broadcast/digital banned 6am to 11pm |
| Lithuania | Restrictions from July 2025; full ban planned for 2028 |
Markets where advertising online gambling is illegal
| Market | Summary |
|---|---|
| India | 2025 Act bans online money games and their advertising |
| Indonesia | Online gambling illegal; mass content blocking |
| Bangladesh | Promoting online gambling is a crime under the 2025 Cyber Security Ordinance |
| Malaysia | Online gambling unlawful; MCMC blocking |
| Vietnam, Thailand | No legal route for private online operators |
| Singapore | Gambling prohibited unless licensed or exempt; advertising bans |
| Chile | Courts ruled online gambling illegal unless authorised; sites blocked from 2026 |
Platform rules on top of the law
Even where the law allows gambling ads, platforms add their own rules: Google requires certification and good policy health (Google Ads policy), Meta requires prior written permission, TikTok and X require certification in eligible countries, and Telegram Ads bans gambling. See how to get gambling ads approved.
Country guides
- UK: Premier League campaigns
- Spain: LaLiga campaigns
- Europe overview
- Latin America
- Nigeria and South Africa
- Philippines and Australia
- India, Indonesia, Chile
Mistakes to avoid
- Assuming your licence country’s rules apply everywhere.
- Relying on outdated guides; several markets changed in 2024 to 2026.
- Ignoring state or provincial rules inside countries.
- Forgetting platform policies on top of the law.
Frequently asked questions
No. Some countries allow licensed operators to advertise under rules, some restrict almost all gambling ads, and many make advertising online gambling illegal.
Examples include India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand and Chile, where online gambling is illegal or not authorised for private operators.
No. You must follow the law of the country you target, which often requires a local licence.
Yes. Google, Meta, TikTok and X require approvals in eligible markets, and Telegram Ads bans gambling ads entirely.
Advertise where it is allowed
CliqBetter runs campaigns only in markets where operators are licensed and advertising is permitted. Book a demo.