---
title: "How to Stop Seeing Gambling Ads Online"
description: ""
url: "https://www.southafricancasinos.co.za/how-to-stop-seeing-gambling-ads-online.html"
date: "2026-07-07T10:52:25+00:00"
language: "en-GB"
---

# 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.

![Renee Kingsley](https://www.southafricancasinos.co.za/images/renee-kingsley-small-logo.webp) Reviewer: [Renee Kingsley](https://www.southafricancasinos.co.za/renee-kingsley.html) | 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.

## 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.

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