Definition of Offline Gambling
Offline gambling includes real-money wagering at physical establishments such as land-based casinos, poker venues, and betting shops.
Eligibility Requirements for Advertising
Mandatory Conditions
- Gambling advertising certification must be obtained from Google
- Only target approved countries and regions
- Strict audience targeting (18+ only)
- Local licensing and legal compliance required
Restricted and Prohibited Content
- Ads promoting gambling as a solution for financial issues
- Unrealistic promises or misleading gambling incentives
- Ads targeting minors or appearing on child-directed content
- Use of non-certified advertisers in gambling campaigns
- Geographically misaligned advertising (e.g., targeting restricted regions)
Regional Policy Overview
| Region | Ad Policy Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Allowed | Requires UK Gambling Commission license |
| United States (selected states) | Restricted | Requires state-level authorization |
| Globally Restricted | Prohibited | Ads not permitted per Google Ads gambling policy |
Platform-Specific Restrictions
- Must use Google-certified advertiser accounts
- Age-restricted targeting (18+ mandatory)
- No promotion in countries where offline gambling is illegal
- Disclosure of legal status and jurisdiction required in app/store listings
Enforcement and Violations
- Disapproved ads or restricted account access for violations
- Account suspension or permanent termination for repeated breaches
- Blacklisting of violating domains or advertisers
Best Practices for Compliance
- Use clear, factual language that complies with legal requirements
- Ensure accurate geo-targeting aligned with licensing obligations
- Focus on promoting legal compliance, not gambling itself
- Avoid misleading offers, urgency language, or financial guarantees
- Maintain updated certifications and display licensing information clearly
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a license to advertise? Yes. You must provide valid proof of licensing for the regions you target.
- Can I advertise gambling on YouTube? Only if your ads are age-restricted and follow local legal requirements.
- What happens if I violate these policies? Google may suspend or permanently ban your advertising account.