Google has taken a new step in its regulation of gambling advertising. On 19 November 2025, the technology giant announced an update to its advertising policy: the promotion of offline gambling (physical casinos, gaming rooms, in-person poker tournaments, etc.) is now banned in 35 countries.
A strategic extension of Google’s policy
Until recently, Google had already been applying restrictions on gambling advertising, but what is new is the extension of the bans to physical gambling activities. According to its documentation, this category includes not only traditional casinos, but also establishments such as pachinko parlours or the streaming of live poker events on the ground.
The update, announced on 19 November 2025, is all the more significant in that Google is rolling it out immediately, with no transition period. Advertisers will have to adapt their campaigns immediately, by revising their geographical targeting, advertising texts and visuals to ensure they remain in line.
35 countries affected
The territories now targeted include countries in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and even Europe. Google is banning advertising for physical games in the following countries:
- Afghanistan
- Algeria
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Bhutan
- Bulgaria
- China
- Djibouti
- Egypt
- Estonia
- Hong Kong
- India
- Indonesia
- Iraq
- Italy
- Jordan
- Korea
- Kuwait
- Lebanon
- Libya
- Lithuania
- Malaysia
- The Maldives
- Morocco
- Northern Ireland
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Palestine
- Philippines
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- Sudan
- Syria
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- Vietnam
- Yemen
This decision shows Google’s desire to bring its advertising rules into line with local legislation.
What Google still authorises – and what it refuses
In its communication, Google specifies that it clearly distinguishes between types of gambling:
- Legal physical gambling establishments (casinos, gaming rooms, live poker tournaments) are permitted where local law allows.
- Advertising for offline gambling is prohibited in the 35 countries listed above.
- These rules are completely separate from those governing online gambling or social casino games, which are subject to different certifications.
With this decision, Google is showing that it is not content to be a mere advertising distributor: it is taking on the role of regulator in the gambling ecosystem. By banning the promotion of physical games in 35 countries, it is adapting its policy to local legal realities while sending a clear message to advertisers: compliance with the law and social responsibility are now priorities. For players in the physical gaming sector, the time has come to adjust their campaigns quickly if they want to remain visible… without falling foul of the law.