Starting September 14, 2026, updated Google Ads rules for the Gambling and games category will take effect. Certification requirements introduced in March will be extended to cover all categories within this section.
We previously reported on the certification update that took effect on March 23, 2026. At that time, Google introduced new requirements for accounts wishing to run ads in the Gambling and games categories and for Google Ads MCC manager accounts, and once again emphasized existing requirements for the websites and domains listed in certification applications.
In the new notice, Google reiterates that accounts wishing to advertise in any Gambling and games category will need to demonstrate a good history of compliance with Google Ads policies. The company uses the phrase “good policy health” but does not disclose the exact evaluation criteria.
The changes will also affect manager accounts (Google Ads MCC). They may lose the ability to apply for new online gambling certificates if:
- online gambling certificates have been revoked repeatedly;
- managed accounts have been repeatedly flagged for gambling policy violations while using the certificate.
Existing certificates for such accounts may also be revoked.
Google also reiterated the domain requirements already outlined in the certification application:
- sites on free subdomains are not eligible for certification;
- the domain must be directly owned and controlled by the company;
- domains unrelated to gambling are not eligible for certification.
The Certification section of the Google Ads policy will be updated on September 14, 2026, when the changes take effect. The official notice was published on July 13.
