EXCLUSIVE: Meta to allow Alcohol, Real Money Gambling ads on its platform in India

From August 27, 2024, businesses in India can onboard WhatsApp Business Platform for messaging in the verticals such as Alcohol and Real Money Gambling.

By  Imran FazalAug 20, 2024 6:56 PM
EXCLUSIVE: Meta to allow Alcohol, Real Money Gambling ads on its platform in India
Real Money Gaming players in India were left stunned after Meta sent an email on Tuesday announcing that the big tech firm will allow alcohol and real money gambling businesses to promote and market their activities on their platforms, as per industry sources. Starting August 27, 2024, Meta users in India will start getting messages and advertisements related to gambling and alcohol in India. (Image source: Unsplash)

Real Money Gaming players in India were left stunned after an internal email on Tuesday announced that the big tech firm, Meta will allow alcohol and real money gambling businesses to promote and market their activities on their platforms. Conversational engagement platform Gupshup confirmed Storyboard18 that an email was sent on behalf of Meta to its internal clientele.

From August 27, 2024, businesses in India can onboard WhatsApp Business Platform for messaging in the verticals such as Alcohol and Real Money Gambling.

The email states, “We are excited to announce that starting August 27, 2024, businesses in India, APAC, and LATAM can onboard the WhatsApp platform for messaging in the following verticals: a) Alcohol b) Over-the-counter products (Prescription drugs and medical devices are still prohibited) c) Real Money Gambling.”

Meta’s updated policy now permits these verticals for both promotions/marketing and utility use cases, though WhatsApp Commerce restrictions will still apply.

A senior official from Gupshup confirmed that the email was sent internally to its clients. The official refused to comment.

“This is disappointing. On one hand, the entire RMG industry is struggling, and now Meta wants offshore gambling platforms to advertise on their platforms. The industry will not take this lightly and will oppose this move. We will take legal action against such practices,” said a senior official from a fantasy gaming platform.

Storyboard18 has reached out to Meta. The article will be updated with the company's official comments.

First Published on Aug 20, 2024 6:34 PM

More from Storyboard18

Advertising

FMCG 2024 adex wrap: HUL, Dabur, Godrej scaled back ad expenses, Marico sees 35% jump in Q4 FY25

FMCG 2024 adex wrap: HUL, Dabur, Godrej scaled back ad expenses, Marico sees 35% jump in Q4 FY25

How it Works

With AI push, Alphabet, Amazon and Meta together to acquire 54.7% of global ad market: WARC

With AI push, Alphabet, Amazon and Meta together to acquire 54.7% of global ad market: WARC

Advertising

France plans to ban ads for Chinese fast fashion giants Shein, Temu

France plans to ban ads for Chinese fast fashion giants Shein, Temu

Advertising

Print ad goes viral after Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad

Print ad goes viral after Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad

Brand Marketing

Mast or Meh: Father’s Day feels - Who nailed it - Instamart, VIDA, or Atlys?

Mast or Meh: Father’s Day feels - Who nailed it - Instamart, VIDA, or Atlys?

How it Works

As Omnicom-IPG mega merger moves ahead, workforce restructuring begins

As Omnicom-IPG mega merger moves ahead, workforce restructuring begins

Brand Marketing

Global Ads Spotlight: How iFood served up football - and a 23% sales boost

Global Ads Spotlight: How iFood served up football - and a 23% sales boost

Advertising

Digital dominates! Digital to command 81.6% of global ad market in 2025: WPP Media

Digital dominates! Digital to command 81.6% of global ad market in 2025: WPP Media