A Paris court has ruled that Meta Platforms Ireland must
remove and prevent advertising for offshore iGaming operators across all of its social media platforms.
The decision follows a lawsuit filed by French casino group Groupe Barrière, which operates a network of
33 land-based casinos in France.
Brand misuse and illegal advertising
Back in 2023, Barrière identified more than 2,400 advertisements that used its brand to promote
illegal online gambling platforms. The ads were placed via hundreds of social media accounts,
some of which copied Barrière’s visual identity and branding, creating the impression of legitimacy.
Court rejects Meta’s defence
Meta argued that it acts solely as a hosting provider and therefore has
no obligation to proactively monitor advertising content. The court rejected this position, finding that the
placement and distribution of online casino advertising violates
French gambling law, regardless of Meta’s intermediary status.
Scope of the ruling
- The order applies to all Meta platforms
- The obligation will remain in force for at least one year
- Meta must also pay €10,000 in damages to Barrière
