> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.rafflex.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.rafflex.io/marketing/facebook-and-meta/advertising.md).

# Advertising

Before you can advertise your raffle site on Facebook or Instagram, Meta needs to approve you under its real money gambling rules. Here is how to prepare, apply and keep your ads compliant.

Meta (the company behind Facebook and Instagram) treats raffles, prize draws and paid competitions as **real money gambling**. That means you cannot simply create an ad and press publish. You must first apply for, and receive, written permission from Meta. Ads submitted before you are approved are likely to be rejected, and repeated rejections can put your ad account at risk.

The good news is that the process is straightforward once you have the right paperwork. This page explains what to prepare, how to apply, and the rules to follow once you are approved.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Meta's advertising policies change from time to time and differ between countries. The guidance on this page is a practical starting point, not legal advice. Always check Meta's current policy and take proper legal advice for your own business.
{% endhint %}

***

### What you need before you apply

Meta's reviewers will look at your website as well as your paperwork, so get these in place first.

* **Proof that your competitions are legal.** This is usually a letter from a qualified lawyer explaining why your competitions are lawful where you operate. Meta often calls this a Real Money Gaming (RMG) letter.
* **Clear Terms & Conditions on your site.** Customers (and Meta's reviewers) should be able to find them easily. See [Add Terms & Conditions](/essential-settings/add-terms-and-conditions.md).
* **A clear explanation of how your competitions work.** Explain how customers enter, how winners are chosen and when draws take place. A dedicated "How it works" page linked from your menu is ideal. See [Manage Your Pages](/customise-your-site/manage-your-pages.md) for how to create one.
* **A visible free entry route, if you offer one.** If you offer [free entry](/additional-settings/free-entry.md), make sure it is clearly displayed on your site and explained in your terms.
* **Your Meta Business account set up.** You will need a Meta Business account (sometimes called Business Manager or Business Portfolio) with your Facebook page and ad account connected to it.

{% hint style="info" %}
We strongly recommend contacting **David at Gridlaw** for expert legal assistance. He can help you:

* draft solid Terms & Conditions so your raffle site is compliant, and
* provide the Real Money Gaming (RMG) letter that Meta asks for when you apply.

[Get in touch with David at Gridlaw](https://www.gridlaw.com/)
{% endhint %}

***

### How to apply for Meta's Real Money Gambling (RMG) licence

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Open the application form

Go to Meta's [real money gambling application form](https://www.facebook.com/help/contact/424273921476550). Make sure you are logged in to the Facebook account that manages your business, so the application is linked to the right ad account.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Complete the form and upload your letter

Fill in your business details and the countries you want to advertise in, then upload the letter from your lawyer confirming that your competitions follow the law in those countries (for example, UK law). Double check that the website address you enter matches your live site exactly.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Wait for Meta to review

Reviews can take some time. Meta may contact you with questions or ask for more documents, so keep an eye on the email address linked to your Facebook account and reply promptly.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Start advertising once approved

When Meta confirms your approval, you can start running ads from the approved ad account. If you later add another ad account or start advertising in a new country, check whether you need to apply again.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

{% hint style="success" %}
**Use the waiting time well.** While Meta reviews your application, set up [Tracking](/marketing/facebook-and-meta/tracking.md) and your [Product Catalogue](/marketing/facebook-and-meta/product-catalogue.md). Your Pixel will then already be collecting visitor data when your first ad goes live, which helps Meta find the right audience faster.
{% endhint %}

***

### Rules for your ads

Even once you are approved, Meta has strict ad policies. Follow these to keep your ads running and your account in good standing.

* **No misleading claims.** Avoid phrases such as "Win guaranteed!" or "Easy cash!". Be honest about the odds and what customers are buying.
* **Never target under 18s.** Set the minimum age in your ad audience to 18 or above.
* **Only advertise where you are approved.** Do not target countries or regions that are not covered by your approval, or where your competitions are restricted.
* **Do not encourage reckless play.** Ads must not suggest that entering will solve money problems or that customers should spend more than they can afford. Responsible play tools such as [Safe Play](/additional-settings/safe-play-setting.md) show customers you take this seriously.
* **Be clear about how your raffle works.** Customers should understand what they are entering and how the winner is chosen.
* **Match your landing page to your ad.** If your ad promotes a particular prize, link straight to that competition page, not just your homepage, and make sure the prize, price and closing date match what the ad says.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Linking to a specific competition?** Add UTM tags to the link so you can see in your analytics which ads brought in visitors. See [UTM Tags](/helpful-info/utm-tags.md).
{% endhint %}

***

### Next steps

{% content-ref url="/pages/IN4tPddy1E3Ii4fN2zB9" %}
[Tracking](/marketing/facebook-and-meta/tracking.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/1cLZtuesQuvcrMUJ22Rw" %}
[Product Catalogue](/marketing/facebook-and-meta/product-catalogue.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}