The world’s largest social networking group announced this week that it will be fazing out online gambling advertisements on its site.
Facebook announced they are taking the necessary steps to remove gambling advertising from all areas of their social network. Facebook's ban includes all forms of online gambling advertising including: bingo, sportsbooks, poker and casinos. By barring online gambling ads, Facebook is essentially putting this form of entertainment in the same category as firearms and tobacco which are also not allowed to be marketed on the site. Facebook is arguing that with a young customer base, it needs to draw a line when it comes to advertising and online gambling is an easy mark.
Under the Phrohibited Contest section of Facebook’s “Advertising Guidelines” section 5 states; “Gambling, including without limitation, any online casino, sports books, bingo, or poker without authorization from Facebook”.
Other forbidden content includes inflammatory religious content, three separate categories for adult, uncertified pharmaceuticals and contests or sweepstakes . All in all, 20 categories are being censored on Facebook. In addition to gambling ads, banned topics include spy cameras, politically religious agendas, pyramid schemes, and content that advocates against any organization, person, or group of people, with the exception of candidates running for public office;
Still, Facebook has many casino game applications and a sportsbook one that we find interesting. These are free for members to enjoy and since no money is risked, they are more games than gambling.
If that is not strange enough, you can advertise alcohol on Facebook, with restrictions. Obviously the social network will not allow underage Facebookers to be target and ads cannot include content that might appeal to (or mislead) minors by implying that the consumption of alcoholic beverages is fashionable or the accepted course of behavior for those who are underage.
So to revisit, adult content, tobacco and gambling are banned, but booze is ok? Perhaps it is this line in Facebook's Alcohol Content Policy: "It is recommended that the ad creative contain text that promotes drinking responsibly, eg. "Drink Responsibly" or "Drink Smart".
