The Masthead is the video ad that sits at the top of YouTube’s homepage and Home feed, one of the most visible spots on the platform. Until now, Google only allowed sports betting advertisers there, after first banning gambling from the placement in 2021. The update opens it to other online gambling categories, as long as the advertiser holds the right certification under Google’s Gambling and games policy.
Google stated:
“On October 21, YouTube’s ad requirements will be updated to permit Masthead advertisements for online gambling who are certified under our Gambling and games policy. All online gambling ads must fully comply with the broader Gambling and Games policy and adhere to all legal, jurisdictional, and age restrictions.”
However, Google announced that advertisers promoting online gambling who aren’t required to register with a state or national gambling regulator will stay excluded.
The change follows tighter certification rules that took effect on September 14, 2026, which extended measures introduced in March to every category covered by the gambling policy. Now, operators have less than 2 weeks to prepare, and they will need certification, control of the advertised domain, and compliance with the rules in each target market before a campaign can run.
