Update to Gambling and Games Policy: Gambling and games Certification Eligibility Update (July 2026)

Google provides translated versions of the Advertising Policies Help Center, though they're not meant to change the content of the policies. The English version is the official language used to enforce Google Ads policies. To view this article in a different language, use the language dropdown at the bottom of the page.

On September 14, 2026, the Google Ads Gambling and games policy will be updated to expand the certification requirements launched in March to all categories under this policy. All accounts seeking to advertise in any gambling and games category must now demonstrate good policy health.

Manager Accounts (MCCs) with repeated online gambling certificate revocations, or accounts under MCC management that are repeatedly flagged for gambling violations while using a certificate, will forfeit eligibility to apply for any new online gambling certificates and may have existing certifications revoked.

The following domain requirements, which already exist on the application for certification, are being reiterated for emphasis:

• Websites hosted on free subdomains are ineligible.
• The domain must be directly owned and controlled by the business.

Standalone Ineligibility: Domains unrelated to gambling are ineligible for certification.

The "Certification" section of the Gambling and games policy will be updated when these requirements take effect on September 14, 2026.

(Posted July 13, 2026)