Source: Search Engine Roundtable by barry@rustybrick.com (Barry Schwartz). Read the original article
TL;DR Summary of Google’s Updated Offline Gambling Ads Restrictions
**Google Ads** has expanded its list of countries where **offline gambling advertising** is banned to align with local gambling prohibitions. The update, effective November 19, 2025, adds numerous countries beyond the previous restricted list. This change reflects Google’s effort to enforce stricter **advertising policies** in markets where offline gambling is illegal. Advertisers must now comply with the newly updated **Gambling and Games policy** to avoid violations.
Optimixed’s Overview: Expanded Global Restrictions on Offline Gambling Ads by Google Ads
Significant Expansion of Prohibited Countries
On November 19, 2025, Google Ads revised its offline gambling advertising policies to better reflect the legal landscape of gambling worldwide. The update notably broadens the list of countries where offline gambling ads are prohibited, ensuring compliance with local laws where offline gambling remains illegal.
Details of the Updated Country List
- The new list now includes countries such as Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Djibouti, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, the Maldives, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, among others.
- Previously, only a smaller subset of countries like Bulgaria, China, Estonia, and India were restricted.
- This expansion aligns Google’s offline gambling ad policies with current worldwide legal standards, increasing regulatory adherence.
Implications for Advertisers
Advertisers targeting offline gambling audiences must review and adjust their campaigns to avoid sanctions or account suspension due to policy violations. Staying up-to-date with Google’s Gambling and Games policy is critical for compliance across diverse international markets.
