For Facebook Ads, the platform enforces specific rules, especially around what can and cannot be advertised due to policies and ad restrictions. Here’s a summary for each category, with considerations for Facebook Ads:

1. Announcements & Events: Ads promoting events are generally allowed. However, if the event involves alcohol, gambling, or age-restricted activities, you’ll need to comply with additional restrictions and may need to target specific age groups.
2. Automotive & Recreation: Ads for vehicles and recreational items are permitted, but Facebook restricts certain content, like ads for vehicle parts that contain firearms or weaponry. Avoid making exaggerated claims in automotive ads to prevent ad rejections for misleading content.
3. Employment & Services: Job ads must follow Facebook’s Employment Advertising policies, which prohibit discriminatory language related to age, gender, or other protected characteristics. Avoid certain services like adult services or loan offers, which have stricter guidelines.
4. Home & Living: Household items and home improvements can be advertised, but avoid claims that may be deemed as misleading or exaggerated. Ads should not feature restricted items like medical equipment or items with health claims that are not substantiated.
5. Real Estate & Rentals: Ads for real estate are allowed, but Facebook’s policies on housing ads require compliance with the Fair Housing Act. This includes restrictions against discriminatory targeting and language in housing ads.
6. Agriculture & Farm Supplies: Ads for farm equipment and supplies are allowed, but avoid any ads that directly involve animal sales, as Facebook restricts animal-related sales.
7. Electronics & Office: Electronics and office supplies can be advertised. Avoid promoting counterfeit products or making misleading claims, which Facebook monitors closely in tech ads.
8. Miscellaneous & Collectibles: Antiques and collectibles are allowed, provided they aren’t restricted items (like weapons or counterfeit goods). Be cautious with any collectible that could be interpreted as a restricted item under Facebook’s ad policies.

In general, Facebook Ads should avoid:

• Health-related claims that aren’t verified or that Facebook might consider exaggerated.
• Restricted or prohibited items, like drugs, firearms, tobacco, adult products, or misinformation.
• Targeting restrictions, especially for ads related to employment, housing, and credit, which require careful adherence to anti-discrimination policies.

What once was allowed as ads in The Merchandiser will not be available through Facebook Ads.

NOTE: Pets & Animals WILL NOT BE PUBLISHED DUE TO FACEBOOK RESTRICTIONS.

FYI: 

Facebook’s Advertising Policies outline specific content that is either prohibited or restricted to ensure a safe and positive user experience. Here’s an overview:

Prohibited Content:

• Illegal Products or Services: Ads must not promote anything illegal, including drugs, counterfeit goods, or fraudulent documents.
• Discriminatory Practices: Content that discriminates based on personal attributes such as race, ethnicity, religion, or gender is not allowed.
• Tobacco and Related Products: Ads cannot promote tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and vaping devices.
• Weapons, Ammunition, or Explosives: Promotion of firearms, ammunition, explosives, or related accessories is prohibited.
• Adult Products and Services: Ads must not promote adult content, including pornography or sexual services.
• Misleading or False Content: Ads should not contain deceptive, false, or misleading claims.

Restricted Content:

• Alcohol: Ads promoting alcohol must comply with local laws and include age and country targeting criteria.
• Gambling and Lotteries: Promotion of gambling services requires prior written permission from Facebook and must adhere to local laws.
• Online Pharmacies: Ads for online pharmacies are restricted and require certification from Facebook.
• Supplements: Ads for dietary supplements are subject to restrictions, especially if they make exaggerated claims.
• Financial Services: Ads promoting financial products and services must comply with local laws and cannot promote misleading or deceptive services.

INTERESTED IN PLACING AN AD FOR YOUR BINGO?

Can a bingo for a nonprofit in our area be advertised if they have their license?

Answer:
Yes, you can advertise a licensed nonprofit bingo event on Facebook, but it’s essential to comply with Facebook’s advertising policies and local regulations. Here’s what you need to consider:

Facebook’s Advertising Policies:

• Gambling and Lotteries: Facebook requires prior written permission to promote online gambling, games of skill, or lotteries. However, for physical, real-money gambling activities or establishments, such as “brick and mortar casinos,” certain prize promotions, state or government lotteries, as well as entirely free-to-play games, written permission is not required.
• Age and Geo-Targeting: Ensure your ads target individuals who are legally permitted to participate in bingo games in your jurisdiction. Typically, this means targeting users aged 18 or older.

Local Regulations:

• Licensing: Verify that your nonprofit holds the necessary licenses to conduct bingo events in your area. In Pennsylvania, for example, organizations must obtain a Small Games of Chance license to operate bingo games.
• Advertising Compliance: Adhere to any state-specific advertising regulations related to gambling or gaming events.

Best Practices:

• Transparency: Clearly state that the bingo event is for fundraising purposes and specify how the proceeds will benefit the nonprofit’s mission.
• Responsible Messaging: Avoid language that could be interpreted as encouraging irresponsible gambling behavior.
• Legal Review: Consult with a legal professional to ensure your advertising materials comply with all applicable laws and Facebook’s policies.

NOTE: Unlike the shared Facebook Ad Program, nonprofit bingos will be required to advertise separately from any announcements and events to ensure the ad is in compliance with Age and Geo-Targeting.