Meta greenlights RMG advertising in India, mandates legal clearance
Meta has introduced new advertising guidelines for online gambling and gaming companies globally, including India. The new policy prohibits targeting users under 18 and requires prior written approval from Meta before running ads for real money gaming (RMG). This major update also acknowledges certificates from the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF) as valid proof of legality and skill-based classification of games in India.
Meta’s new global RMG advertising policy
Metas revised policy defines online gambling and gaming broadly. Any product or service involving an entry method with monetary value and prizes with monetary worth falls under this category. This includes cash, digital currencies like Bitcoin, or other valuable rewards. The rule applies even if gameplay or gambling does not occur directly on the advertised page aggregator and affiliate pages are included.
Meta stated, Ads that promote online gambling and gaming are . Authorised advertisers must follow all applicable laws and include targeting criteria consistent with Meta’s targeting requirements.
Advertisers are now required to:
- Avoid targeting users under 18.
- Request formal authorisation from Meta.
- Prove legal status of the gambling or skill-based activity in the jurisdictions they target.
- Follow Meta’s specific targeting and legal compliance parameters.
Types of Games Affected
Under the new criteria, a wide range of games are considered gambling and need written approval. These include:
- Lotteries and raffles
- Casino games and poker
- Fantasy sports and bingo
- Skill game tournaments
- Sweepstakes and games with in-app purchases tied to monetary prizes
Meta has also clarified that any game where a purchase increases the chance of winning a prize of monetary value is included in this policy.
AIGF certification now recognised
In a significant development for Indian gaming firms, Meta will now accept certificates issued by the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF) as valid legal proof. AIGF announced this update in a memo to its members, calling it the result of nearly two years of discussions and policy engagement with Meta.
This represents a significant policy update, AIGF said. Meta has announced a change in its Real Money Gaming (RMG) authorisation process for advertisers targeting India.
RMG advertisers can now obtain ad approval by presenting:
- A certificate from AIGF or other recognised industry federations
- A court order confirming the game as one of skill
This change is expected to streamline the ad approval process and ensure smoother compliance for gaming companies operating in Indias fast-growing digital gaming market.
