Whether you're on a break from gambling or just want a cleaner browsing experience, this guide walks you through blocking gambling ads on Google, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and more.
Google Ads & Search
Google's Ad Settings let you control which topics trigger ads across Google Search, YouTube, Gmail, and Maps.
- Go to myaccount.google.com and sign in, then click "Manage your Google Account."
- Select the "Data & Privacy" tab and scroll to the Ad settings section.
- Open "Ad Personalization" and toggle it Off.
- Scroll down and find the "Gambling & lottery" topic. Click it and select "Turn off."
- If you use the Google Chrome app on Android or iOS, repeat this inside Settings → Google → Ads.
Tip: These settings apply to all Google products on any device where you're signed in.
Social Media Platforms
Facebook & Instagram
- Open Facebook and tap the three-line menu (top right).
- Go to Settings & Privacy → Settings.
- Tap Ad Preferences → Ad Topics.
- Search for "Gambling" and select "See less."
- Repeat the same steps inside the Instagram app.
YouTube
- Click the three dots (⋮) on any gambling ad and select "Stop seeing this ad."
- For broader control, manage topics in your Google Ad Settings (see Section 1 above).
- YouTube Premium removes all ads entirely.
X (Twitter)
- Tap the three dots on a gambling ad and select "Not interested in this ad."
- To block an advertiser entirely, tap the three dots and choose "Block @advertiser."
- Go to Settings → Privacy → Ads Preferences to opt out of interest-based ads.
TikTok
- Long-press on a gambling ad in your feed and select "Not interested."
- Go to Profile → Menu → Settings → Privacy → Ads.
- Disable "Ad Personalisation."
LinkedIn
- Click the three dots on any unwanted ad and select "I don't want to see this."
- Go to Settings → Advertising Data to limit ad targeting.
Browser Ad Blockers
Ad blockers are browser extensions that prevent ads from loading in the first place — including gambling ads. They also speed up pages and reduce tracking.
- uBlock Origin – The most recommended option. Open-source, highly effective, and lightweight. Available for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera.
- AdGuard – Works as a browser extension or a standalone app for iOS and Android, covering ads across all apps — not just your browser.
- Brave Browser – A full browser with a built-in ad blocker. No extension needed. Blocks ads and trackers by default.
- 1Blocker (iOS) – An effective Safari ad blocker for iPhone and iPad with category-specific blocking.
Android tip: Install Brave as your default browser. It blocks gambling ads without any extra setup.
Reporting Rule-Breaking Ads
If a gambling ad targets minors, makes false claims, or advertises an unlicensed operator, you can report it.
To report to Google:
- Click the ⋮ or ℹ icon on the ad, then select "Report ad."
- If the ad is on a third-party website, click the AdChoices triangle icon → "Why this ad?" → "Report ad."
- Choose the most accurate reason and add any extra detail.
- Click Submit.
In South Africa, you can also report irresponsible gambling advertising to the Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) at arb.org.za, or to your relevant provincial gambling board.
Taking It Further
Blocking ads is one layer of control. If you want to go further:
- Gambling blocking apps: Gamban (gamban.com) and BetBlocker (betblocker.org — free) block access to gambling websites entirely at the device level.
- Bank-level blocks: Several South African banks allow you to block gambling-category transactions. Contact your bank directly to ask about this.
- Self-exclusion: You can formally self-exclude from licensed South African gambling operators. Contact each site directly or ask your provincial gambling board about a national self-exclusion register.
- Home network filtering: Set up DNS-level filtering using NextDNS or your router's parental controls to block gambling content for all devices on your Wi-Fi.
If you or someone you know may have a problem with gambling, please seek professional support. SARGF Toll-Free Helpline: 0800 006 008 — available 24/7, free of charge.