On July 16, 2026, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruled that a 2022 Italian court decision imposing a $854,250 fine on Google-owned YouTube would be upheld,...
From August 10, 2026, Google will update its Gambling and Games policy for Authorized Buyers, effectively expanding the markets where gambling and social casino ads will be allowed to be promoted.
Under the new rules, Authorized Buyers will be able to advertise online gambling and social casino products without separately certifying with end advertisers; however, other policies, including Google Ads gambling and games rules, will not change, so publishers running campaigns through Google Ads will still have to go through the formal certification process.
Google revealed that the list of the new markets where gambling ads will be permitted includes countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, France, Japan, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland. Additionally, the reformed policy will apply to products like sportsbooks, slot machine sites, bingo sites, online lotteries, and games with virtual currencies.
Google wrote:
“We only allow advertising of online gambling and online gambling-promoting content in the countries listed below and where the country-specific certification criteria are met. Online gambling of any type not listed under “Online gambling” for a particular country is not eligible for certification and may not be advertised.”
The changes come after Google announced in March 2026 that it would update its certification policy to ensure that gambling advertiser accounts remain in “good health,” with the requirements scheduled to expand on all gambling and gaming policy categories from September 14, 2026.
