Google bans iGaming advertisements in Nigeria

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Google bans iGaming advertisements in Nigeria

The world’s biggest search engine, Google, has announced a new major update on the gambling advertisement policies in Nigeria.

Starting January 8, 2025, the new policy bans all forms of gambling ads in Nigeria, including promotions, bonus codes, betting tips, and even gambling-related books. This applies to every platform where Google’s advertisements can be seen—Search, YouTube, and the Display Network.

This news follows a significant move from November 2024, when the Supreme Court ruled that individual states, not the federal government, have the power to regulate gambling. This resulted in the end of the National Lottery Act of 2005, according to which gambling was regulated nationwide.

Now, each state can set its own rules, creating a more complex environment. Lagos State welcomed the ruling, emphasizing that it reinforces their right to oversee gaming activities. Earlier, operators were already urged gambling operators to follow the new guidelines or face consequences.

Google, however, isn’t waiting for operators to adjust and quickly took action, aiming to reduce gambling addiction as in Nigeria, Over 65 million Nigerians bet on sports, each spending about $15 a day. This means that every single day, almost $1 billion flows into bets and brings serious concerns about problem gambling and underage participation to the table.

Google is constantly updating its strict ad policy for the gaming industry to make sure that the risk of gambling harm remains as minimal as possible.


FAQs

Is gambling legal in Nigeria?

Many forms of land-based gambling are illegal in Nigeria.

What is the legal gambling age in Nigeria?

The legal gambling age in Brazil is 18.

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