How to Stop Seeing Gambling Ads Online

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.

 Reviewer: Renee Kingsley | Last reviewed: June 2026

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.

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.