Google ads rules out sweepstake casinos from social casino category

Google has updated its Google Ads Gambling and Games policy to state that sweepstake casinos are not considered social casino games.

Under the revised policy, only social casino games—online simulated gambling-style games with no real-world prizes—can be advertised in approved countries. Sweepstake casinos are now excluded from this category.

To obtain and retain Google Ads certification for social casino games, advertisers must include a disclaimer stating that the games are intended only for users above the legal gambling age and must not target minors. They must hold a valid local license for distributing their games in the targeted country, where applicable.

Additionally, advertisers are also required to clearly state that the games do not involve real money gambling and do not offer prizes of real-world value. In addition, they must disclose any in-app purchases on the landing page or within the ad, and they are prohibited from using logos, names, or trademarks associated with real-money gambling brands.

Promotion of online gambling, promoting content other than aggregator or affiliate sites that provide information about, or a comparison of, other gambling services, is not allowed.

Advertising of social casino games is only permitted in select countries, including the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, India, Germany, Japan, and others listed in Google’s policy. Google warns that violations of this policy are considered serious and will result in immediate suspension of Google Ads accounts without prior notice.

Advertisers must apply separately for Social Casino Games or Online Gambling certification and maintain separate accounts if promoting both. Applications can be submitted through the Google Ads Help Center, and recertification is required if advertiser details change.