If you run Facebook gambling ads, you might have faced bans on your creatives and noticed that restrictions on this social media can be quite strict, so it’s crucial to know the basics of Facebook gambling policy.
The article by Affroom explains Facebook ad policy for advertisers, influencers, and commercial agencies that can make your work with the platform easier and smoother.
What Does Meta Consider as Gambling Ads?
According to official Meta policy, online gambling is any game or product that is aimed at earning actual money; that includes cash, digital currency, and crypto.
Products considered as gambling advertising by Facebook:
- Anything related to iGaming activities.
Sports betting, casinos, lotteries, slots, bingo, poker and sweepstakes. - Money-involved games.
Those can be games where money is required to get started with the game or money is granted as a prize for winning. - Landing pages that contain iGaming ads.
Counts as a gambling ad in case it contains promo materials of it even if you can’t play on the page directly. - Games that have a trial period or require payment afterwards.
Understanding this Meta gambling policy and definitions is crucial for anyone promoting their iGaming services on Facebook.
iGaming Facebook Ads Policy: Step-By-Step Guide For Affiliates
First, let’s answer the most common question: “Is gambling on Facebook illegal?” — No, it’s not; it’s completely legal if you follow the rules we’ll specify below.
Step #1. Do pre-research by GEO
Once you choose an offer and wanna run it via Facebook, check the list of GEOs by Meta — it regularly updates the countries where gambling advertising is prohibited. You cannot target the countries even if the operator is licensed.
Unsupported GEOs by Meta:
- Azerbaijan
- Bangladesh
- Egypt
- Hong Kong
- Indonesia
- Korea
- Kyrgyzstan
- Malaysia
- Mongolia
- Myanmar
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Vietnam
Take into account that even if the GEO allows igaming promotion, you need to check out the legal age and other restrictions of the GEO itself.
Important to know: The targeting age shall not be lower than 18 years old. If the country’s rules imply another age, like 21, you shall comply with the country’s rules as well.
Step #2. Get the official Meta permission
It’s the most important step for any affiliate getting started with Facebook gambling ads. You need an authorization from Meta to launch your ads.
How to get Meta authorization:
- Leave an application via Meta Business Suite in the Permissions and Verifications section.
- Write down your role as an affiliate, operator of the offer and GEO where you’re driving traffic.
- The permission shall be verified by Meta before the campaign start.
If you use the operator’s account for launching ads, you don’t need to do the authorization step. In case you’re running the offer from your personal account, this step is a must.
A more detailed official guide can be found here.
Step #3. Upload all the required documents
According to the ad policy on Facebook, an affiliate must add several documents to prove his relation to the operator.
Necessary documents for Gambling ads launch:
- Operator’s official license;
- Document that verifies partnership with the licensed operator signed by both parties;
- Data on the operator’s company (name, legal name and site);
- Landing URL;
The ad will be approved by Facebook only if the operator has an official license in the GEO it operates.
Step #4. Review your advertising content (texts and images).
Facebook gambling ad restrictions are always seen as strict, as there are many prohibited wordings and images. Let’s see what to avoid so as not to get banned.
- Do not use promises of fast incomes and guaranteed money from winning.
- Ads shall content honest info, without fake bonuses or scams; they shall not be misleading.
- Do not use creatives that imply that gambling will easily grant success and wealth to users.
- Landings are also evaluated by Meta and shall comply with the aforementioned standards.
Step #5. Take responsibility for your ads.
Remember that even if your operator’s licensed, once you use your own Facebook account, the responsibility for breaking the rules is all yours.
Meta has the right to cancel or not approve authorization of an affiliate if he breaks the platform’s rules. Violation of the rules can lead to ad account bans or even full ban on all the Meta platforms.
FAQ on Facebook Gambling Advertising Policy
Is gambling advertising allowed on Facebook?
Yes, but only under strict conditions. Gambling advertising is permitted if the operator or affiliate has received prior authorization from Meta and the activity is legal and licensed in the targeted countries.
What are the rules for running gambling ads on Facebook?
Gambling ads must comply with Meta’s advertising standards. They require:
- Prior authorization from Meta.
- Proof of licensing and legal operation in the targeted jurisdiction.
- Targeting is restricted to users aged 18+ (or higher, depending on local law).
- Exclusion of unsupported markets where gambling ads are prohibited.
- Honest, non-misleading creatives and compliant landing pages.
How to get approval for Facebook gambling ads?
Approval must be obtained through the Authorizations and Verifications tab in Meta Business Suite. Operators apply under their business type, and affiliates must select Affiliate. Affiliates also need to upload the operator’s license and a signed letter confirming the advertising partnership.
Which countries allow gambling ads on Facebook?
Gambling ads are allowed only in countries where online gambling is legally regulated and supported by Meta. Meta maintains a list of unsupported markets where gambling ads are prohibited, regardless of licensing. Advertisers are responsible for ensuring compliance with both Meta policies and local laws.
Conclusion
For affiliates, Facebook gambling advertising is possible but highly regulated. The key is obtaining proper authorization, working only with licensed operators, and respecting Meta’s age, GEOs, and content restrictions.
Without compliance, ads risk rejection, account suspension, or permanent bans. Affiliates should do some pre-research for successful Facebook gambling ad promotion; it can be done easily using the guide by Affroom!