Google has updated its gambling and games ad policy on May 4 to allow operators licensed by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) to run online gambling...
Google Ads updates gambling and games policy
From March 23, 2026, Google Ads will update its gambling and games policy and introduce new certification requirements.
Accounts that intend to advertise gambling will have to demonstrate good policy health, while Manager Accounts that have previously had gambling certificates revoked from their accounts, or if they have violated the gambling policy while relying on a gambling certificate, will have existing certificates revoked and be prohibited from applying for a new online gambling certificate.
There are some requirements that are already included in the application for certificates; however, they are specifically highlighted.
The application states:
“Certification is not available for sites hosted on free platforms, those using a subdomain whose root domain is a third-party platform host, those with no association with gambling, or those with a second-level domain not owned and operated by the advertiser.”
Google Ads will update the “Certification” section of the gambling and games policy after the requirements come into effect on March 23, 2026.
Google’s Ads Safety Report has revealed that more than 270 million gambling ads were removed in 2025, as part of the global fight against illegal betting content.The...
