# 30865: Verification rejection - Disallowed: Sweepstakes

Log Type: APPLICATION

Log Level: ERROR

## Description

Your verification submission was rejected because the submitted business or messaging use case was identified as sweepstakes-related traffic, which falls under a forbidden gambling category. During review, verification checks your business, stated use case, sample messages, web presence, opt-in flow, and related terms or privacy policies.

### Possible causes

* Your business offers sweepstakes, raffles, contests, betting, casino-related services, or similar gambling activity.
* Your verification submission, website, or sample messages indicate a forbidden gambling use case such as sweepstakes or 50/50 raffles.
* Your business type itself falls into a forbidden category for SMS or MMS in the United States or Canada, even if the individual message content isn't explicitly promotional. ([help.twilio.com](https://help.twilio.com/articles/360045004974-Forbidden-message-categories-for-SMS-and-MMS-in-the-US-and-Canada))

### Possible solutions

* Do not submit or resubmit a verification request for sweepstakes or other gambling-related messaging. These use cases are prohibited for SMS and MMS in the United States and Canada. ([help.twilio.com](https://help.twilio.com/articles/360045004974-Forbidden-message-categories-for-SMS-and-MMS-in-the-US-and-Canada))
* If you believe your business was misclassified and your use case doesn't fit a forbidden category, contact Support and provide additional information that clearly explains your business and messaging use case.
* If you need to communicate for a use case that is prohibited on SMS or MMS, use another channel that fits your compliance requirements, such as SendGrid Email API or Programmable Voice. ([help.twilio.com](https://help.twilio.com/articles/360045004974-Forbidden-message-categories-for-SMS-and-MMS-in-the-US-and-Canada))

#### Additional resources

* [Forbidden Message Categories in the US and Canada](https://help.twilio.com/articles/360045004974-Forbidden-message-categories-for-SMS-and-MMS-in-the-US-and-Canada)