Google revises rules on offline gambling promotions | Yogonet International
Summary
Google expanded its prohibition on advertising for offline gambling to 35 jurisdictions on 19 November 2025 and clarified what it classifies as “offline gambling” — legal physical, real‑world gambling activities or establishments. Examples cited include brick‑and‑mortar casinos, gaming parlours such as pachinko parlours, and streaming of offline poker tournaments. The update separates offline gambling from online gambling operations and social casino games, which remain subject to different certification and advertising requirements.
The revision adds several territories to the restricted list (including Bulgaria, Estonia, Italy, Lithuania, Northern Ireland, the Philippines, Türkiye and Ukraine) and reiterates that promotion of offline gambling is prohibited in locations where it is illegal to advertise such activity. Google says the changes are effective immediately and provides region‑specific guidance on where physical gambling promotions may run or be blocked.
Key Points
- Google now prohibits promotion of offline gambling in 35 jurisdictions, effective immediately.
- “Offline gambling” is defined as legal physical, real‑world gambling activities or establishments (e.g. casinos, pachinko parlours, offline poker event streams).
- Newly added territories include Bulgaria, Estonia, Italy, Lithuania, Northern Ireland, the Philippines, Türkiye and Ukraine.
- Where it is illegal to advertise offline gambling locally, Google will block such promotions on its platforms.
- Online gambling and social casino games continue to be governed by separate Google certification and rules.
Context and Relevance
This policy change tightens the ad landscape for land‑based operators, casino marketing teams and agencies running cross‑border campaigns. Operators active in the listed jurisdictions must promptly review creatives, geotargeting and media plans to avoid ad disapprovals or compliance breaches.
The update mirrors a wider trend of platforms enforcing region‑specific restrictions on gambling advertising and highlights the importance of keeping compliance processes up to date as platform policies evolve.
Why should I read this?
Quick heads up — if you run ads for casinos or offline events, this could mess with your campaigns overnight. Check your targeting, pull any risky creatives and get legal/compliance on the line now so you don’t wake up to a raft of disapproved ads.
