India’s Gaming Ads Get Green Light—But With a Catch

India Gaming Ads face new rules as Meta now requires written approval and strict policy compliance for real-money gaming promotions in the country.

Advertisers must now get written approval and follow new ad policies to run RMG promotions on Meta platforms in India.

In a move that could reshape India’s online gaming and advertising sectors, Meta has confirmed that it will now allow real money gaming (RMG) ads on its platforms—but only under strict conditions. Companies seeking to run ads for games involving real cash, such as poker or rummy, must obtain prior written permission from Meta.

The change comes as India’s gaming industry booms, with revenues projected to exceed ₹23,000 crore (₱15.9 billion) this year. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram have long been a key tool for reaching India’s young, mobile-first audience. However, until now, many RMG operators found themselves restricted from running direct ads on Meta due to vague or inconsistent policies.

Meta’s updated India-specific guidelines require advertisers to comply with local laws and show that their games are legal in the states where the ads will appear. The company will also require detailed documentation and country-specific licenses. Without these, ad requests will be denied.

Only pre-approved advertisers can promote real money gambling or betting games, and even those will be limited to targeting users over 18. In addition, Meta will continue to ban ads for illegal betting platforms and unlicensed operators.

This change marks a cautious but significant opening of India’s digital ad space for gaming firms. For RMG companies, it offers a new route to user acquisition. But the added layer of regulatory responsibility could limit smaller startups or regional players who can’t meet the strict documentation needs.

Industry analysts say the move brings India closer in line with how Meta treats gaming ads in other major markets like the UK and parts of Southeast Asia. It also signals growing mainstream acceptance of regulated real-money gaming, so long as it meets transparency and compliance standards.

For global and local operators alike, the message is clear: the door is open, but only for those who play by the rules.

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