Google Bans Offline Gambling Advertising in 35 Countries

Google, the world’s largest search engine, continues to update its advertising policy covering gambling and gambling-related content. The company’s latest push aligns with the existing rules in some countries where it operates. According to the latest restrictions, marketers and content creators are no longer allowed to promote offline gambling in regions that prohibit it. 

Last November 17th, YouTube announced its plans to strengthen its Community Guidelines on online gambling content and make social casino content age-restricted.

The company also recently ruled that sweepstakes casino content “is no longer eligible for certification under Google’s social casino policy”, effective October 28th, 2025.

Google Lists 35 Countries Where Marketers Can No Longer Advertise Offline Gambling

On November 19th, Google revisited its Gambling and Games advertising policy to prevent advertising for offline gambling in 35 countries where these ads “violate local laws”.

Under Google’s latest terms, offline gambling covers brick-and-mortar casinos, live poker tournaments, and pachinko parlors. The update in its advertising policy expands its list of restricted countries/territories from 12 to 35, adding 23 new ones.

Google’s latest move not only aligns with the local laws where it operates, but also complies with tightening global regulations and rising scrutiny on gambling promotions.

The updated policy differentiates offline ads (for real-world venues) from social casino games and online gambling with separate certifications, and is restricted as well in 41 countries.

What’s Up With the Update?

Google’s latest policy change suggests increasing questions and complaints about ads slipping into prohibited markets, even when local laws prohibit gambling promotions. Also, the change in policy reflects a broader trend of stricter regulations: early updates focused on recertification, addressed country-specific requirements (like in the Philippines and Angola), and reclassification of sweepstakes products under a stricter framework. 

Google’s latest advertising policy also reflects the campaign of state regulators in the US, which aims to ban or at least regulate the popular sweepstakes casinos and their dual-currency models. 

Ultimately, Google aims to stop the proliferation of advertisements in countries where gambling is now allowed, with violators risking a permanent advertiser ban.

REFERENCES:

• Google’s Advertising Policy