Sensitive Industry Categories
Microsoft Advertising restricts certain industries that require pre-approval before advertising. These categories have specific requirements and policies.
Restricted Categories
| Category | Requirements | Pre-Approval Link |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | Pharmacy license, regulatory compliance | Available via support |
| Healthcare | Medical licensing, regulatory approval | Available via support |
| Financial Services | Regulatory licenses, disclosure compliance | Available via support |
| Gambling | Gaming license, jurisdiction-specific compliance | Available via support |
| Real Estate | Broker license, fair housing compliance | Professional Service Ads |
| Political Advertising | Identity verification, disclosure requirements | Available via support |
| Alcohol | Liquor license, age-gating requirements | Available via support |
Pre-Approval Process
- Check eligibility: Review the policy for your category
- Gather documentation: Collect all required licenses and certifications
- Submit request: Contact Microsoft Advertising support or your account manager
- Await review: Typically 5-10 business days
- Start advertising: Once approved, create campaigns in the approved category
Common Rejection Reasons
- Incomplete documentation
- License expired or not matching business name
- Website not compliant with policy requirements
- Targeting markets where the category is fully prohibited
Tips for Approval
- Ensure all business information is consistent across documents
- Have a clear privacy policy and terms of service on your website
- Include required disclaimers on landing pages
- Use age-gating where required
- Comply with local regulations for each target market
Related: For real estate-specific advertising on Bing, see Real Estate Ad Application Guide. For Google Ads policy issues, check Google Ads Ad Disapproval Guide and Account Suspension & Appeal Guide.