Google releases India gaming ad policy update

Summary

Google will ban advertisements for rummy and daily fantasy sports (DFS) targeting users in India from 21 January 2026, updating its Gambling and games policy to comply with local law. The move follows India’s Promotion and Regulations of Online Gambling Bill 2025, which prohibits the promotion of online real-money gaming (RMG). Advertisers will be required to hold and demonstrate valid regional licences and certifications; Google had previously allowed advertising via a certification process amid varying state rules. The decision has already forced domestic and international operators to withdraw products and triggered material financial and staffing impacts at companies such as Flutter.

Key Points

Effective 21 January 2026, Google Ads will ban rummy and daily fantasy sports adverts targeting India.
The policy update is intended to ensure compliance with India’s Promotion and Regulations of Online Gambling Bill 2025.
Advertisers must maintain and demonstrate valid regional licences and certifications to run gambling-related ads.
Google had previously permitted rummy and DFS ads through a certification process; that allowance is being removed for India.
India’s RMG ban has led operators like Dream11 and Mobile Premier League to withdraw products from the market.
Flutter reported a $556m impairment from removing its Junglee offering and has laid off around 350 staff in India, while keeping free-play versions available.
Operators are expected to pursue lobbying and legal challenges; affiliates and ad buyers need to adjust targeting and compliance immediately.

Why should I read this?

Heads up — if you run ads, buy traffic or monetise Indian audiences, this directly hits revenue and compliance. Google’s deadline is real: 21 Jan. In plain terms: check geo-targeting, pause any rummy/DFS campaigns to India, and get licence paperwork in order now or your ads will be blocked and revenue lost.

Context and relevance

This update is the immediate platform-level response to India’s national prohibition on online RMG and closes a prior, inconsistent certification route. It matters because it forces global ad platforms, operators and affiliates to change commercial and compliance strategies on a strict timeline. The industry has already seen product withdrawals, heavy impairments and layoffs — expect further regulatory and legal activity as firms push back or adapt.

Source

Source: https://igamingexpert.com/news/affiliates/google-reacts-to-india-rmg-ban-with-ad-crackdown/