Google has amended its Google Ads Platform Policy on gambling advertising, clarifying that sweepstakes casinos no longer fall under the social casino category. The update took effect on 28 October 2025.
Now such iGaming operators will no longer be able to advertise on Google Ads.
“On October 28, 2025, the Gambling and Games policy was updated to introduce examples of the type of games that do not qualify for certification under our social casino games policy, with sweepstake casinos identified as such an example of games that are outside the scope of the social casino games policy and ineligible for certification. Games that fall under the banner of real-world rewards are subject to the specific restrictions and allowances of the online gambling policy,” Google said.
Google explained that this change is intended to clearly identify which types of games do not meet the certification criteria for social casino policies. Sweepstakes casinos are now classified as games that fall outside this category and are not eligible for certification.
In addition, the company reminded that games offering real cash prizes or other material rewards are subject to a separate policy, ‘Online Gambling,’ which sets special restrictions and permissions for such cases.
Violation of these rules may result in refusal to display ads, account suspension, or other sanctions from Google.
Operators who promoted sweepstakes casinos using Google will have to find alternative advertising channels or revise their business model to comply with the platform’s requirements.
- Official information: Google Policy
- Press release: Google
