Google updated the Google Ads Gambling and Games policy this week to clarify that sweepstakes casinos are not social casino games. Sweepstakes-style platforms now fall under gambling rules, not social games.
Sweepstakes Casinos Banned From Use Google Ads For Advertising
This means sweepstakes casinos can no longer use Google Ads for advertising. This new line was added to the Gambling and Games policy document: “Examples of games that are not social casino games: Sweepstake casinos.”
Despite social casinos utilizing the dual-currency system, Google defines social casino games as “online simulated gambling-style games where there is no opportunity to win something of value.”
Google wrote in the change log:
“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.”
In addition, Google ads noted that violations of the social casino games policy will result in account suspensions without prior warning and potentially termination.
Google Ads Lists Multiple Requirements
In order to receive and retain Google Ads certification, an entity must comply with these requirements:
- Games must include a disclaimer that they are only intended for users over legal gambling age and must not target minors.
- The advertiser must hold a valid local license for distribution of their games in the targeted country, where applicable.
- Games must include statements that they aren’t offering or promoting real money gambling and are not providing prizes of real-world value.
- The advertiser must disclose on the landing page or ad if a game includes in app purchases.
- Ads, sites, or apps must not use logos, names, or marks associated with real-money gambling brands.
When the above requirements are met, Google allows promotion of social casino games in the following countries:
Australia, Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, Mozambique, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Peru, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, and Vietnam.