Last updated: October 2026
Quick answer: To advertise iGaming or real-money gaming (RMG) on Facebook and Instagram, you need Meta’s prior written permission. Set up a verified Business Manager and ad account in the operator’s legal name, gather the gambling licence for each target market, apply through Meta’s online gambling and games application, and once approved, target only adults in the approved markets. Never use rented or third-party accounts to get around this process.
Meta’s rules are clear: online gambling and gaming ads are only allowed with its prior written permission. This guide explains how the process works and how to prepare so your application has the best chance of approval.
What Meta requires
According to Meta’s policy, as reported by exchange4media:
- Ads that promote online gambling and gaming are only allowed with Meta’s prior written permission.
- Online gambling and gaming ads cannot be targeted at people under 18.
- Advertisers must show the gambling is licensed by a regulator, or otherwise lawful, in each territory they target.
- Not every form of gambling is allowed in every territory.
Step-by-step: getting your account ready
- Set up Meta Business Manager in the operator’s registered company name.
- Verify the business with company documents so the account matches your licence holder.
- Create the ad account under that Business Manager, with a payment method in the company’s name.
- Prepare licence documents for every country or state you want to target.
- Check your website and landing pages: they should show the licence, age limits, terms and responsible gambling tools.
- Submit the online gambling and games application through Meta’s business help centre with your licences and target markets.
- Wait for written approval before running any gambling ads.
- Set targeting to adults only (18+ or the higher local age) in the approved markets.
Documents to prepare
| Document | Why Meta needs it |
|---|---|
| Gambling licence for each target market | Proves the activity is lawful there |
| Company registration | Confirms who is advertising |
| Website and landing page URLs | Lets Meta review what users will see |
| List of target countries or states | Defines the scope of permission |
| Responsible gambling policy | Shows player protection is in place |
After approval: running compliant campaigns
- Keep targeting inside the approved markets and age limits.
- Show the real product and key offer terms. In the UK, for example, significant terms must be prominent and close to the offer (UK Gambling Commission).
- Avoid creatives that appeal to young people.
- Update Meta if your licences or markets change.
Read our strategies for Facebook casino advertising for creative and targeting ideas.
Why rented or “agency” accounts are a bad idea
Some sellers offer pre-approved or “whitelisted” agency accounts so unlicensed or unapproved brands can run gambling ads. This breaks Meta’s rules, puts the operator’s licence and payment relationships at risk, and accounts are often shut down without warning, taking the ad spend with them. Get your own permission instead.
If Meta is not an option
Meta permission is not available for every market or licence. Gambling-friendly channels such as iGaming ad networks, affiliates and SEO can still deliver players. See our Google Ads alternatives for gambling and how to get ads approval for gambling campaigns.
Mistakes to avoid
- Launching gambling ads before receiving written permission.
- Applying for markets where you do not hold a licence.
- Using an ad account in a different company’s name.
- Targeting under-18s or using youth-oriented creatives.
- Hiding gambling content to pass ad review.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but only with Meta’s prior written permission, in markets where your gambling activity is licensed or lawful, and never targeting people under 18.
A verified Business Manager in the operator’s name, an ad account, licence documents for each target market, your website and landing pages, and your list of target markets.
You should not. Using rented or third-party accounts to get around Meta’s permission process breaks its rules and risks losing the account and your ad spend.
Use other channels that accept licensed gambling advertisers, such as iGaming ad networks, affiliates and SEO, and reapply if your licensing changes.
Advertise beyond Meta
CliqBetter gives licensed iGaming brands push, pop, native and display traffic without waiting for social platform approvals. Book a demo to learn more.