TLDR
- La Banca de Quinielas found fake ads on Facebook and Instagram using its name and logo
- The ads promoted an unauthorized online casino called “La Banca Casino”
- Fake prizes and false winner stories were used to make the ads look real
- Uruguay’s lottery agency plans to use AI tools to find illegal gambling sites
- Authorities have already blocked thousands of illegal gambling websites
Uruguay’s state-run lottery operator La Banca de Quinielas says fake ads are using its name online. The ads appeared on Facebook and Instagram.
The ads used the name “La Banca Casino.” They also copied the operator’s logo and photos of its official stores.
La Banca said the ads made it look like the casino was linked to its licensed business. It is not.
The fake ads included made-up prizes. They also used fake stories from supposed winners to make the offer seem real.
Links in the ads sent users to illegal gambling websites. These sites are not approved by Uruguay’s government.
La Banca said it has no connection to the casino or the ads. It called the campaign an attempt to steal its identity.
Public Told to Check Official Sites
La Banca urged people to be careful. It said any offer using the name “La Banca Casino” is fake.
The operator told people not to download apps from unknown sources. It also warned against sharing personal or banking details on unofficial sites.
La Banca said it is working with tech companies and government agencies. The goal is to get the fake ads taken down.
This warning comes as La Banca runs its own awareness campaign. The campaign is called “We Say NO CHANCE to Illegal Gambling.”
The campaign aims to teach people about the risks of using unregulated gambling sites. It explains how illegal operators try to attract users.
Uruguay Turns to AI for Enforcement
Uruguay’s National Directorate of Lotteries and Pools, known as DNLQ, said it will use artificial intelligence tools. The tools will help find illegal gambling sites and ads.
DNLQ director Marcelo Visconti said the AI will scan websites and social media. It will look for illegal operators, ads, and profiles that promote unlawful gambling.
Authorities have already identified and blocked thousands of illegal gambling websites. Some of this work has also helped find illegal in-person gambling operations.
Visconti said the bigger concern is not lost money from illegal gambling. He said the real worry is how the money from illegal activity could be used.
Illegal online gambling remains a problem for regulators in Uruguay. Officials say tracking these sites is a growing challenge as more activity moves online.
La Banca’s case shows how fake ads and illegal gambling sites can be linked. Regulators across Latin America are working on both issues as gambling moves further online.
