Google to expand promotions for Online Gambling and Social Casino Gaming to the Philippines

Google has sent out a notice to Ad Buyers that they will be expanding their list of geographies where “Online Gambling and Social Casino Gaming” will be allowed and made available to authorized buyers.

The list now includes the Philippines and will take effect this August 10, 2026.

This means anyone with a Google Ad Manager account will be able to promote content on online casinos, sport books, bingo and slot machines, online lottery, sports betting, and games using virtual currencies.

A copy of the email sent to us to day follows:

Dear Ad Manager Partner,

On August 10, 2026, Google will update the Gambling and games policy for Authorized Buyers. Following the update, Authorized Buyers will be able to promote Online Gambling and Social Casino Gaming in an expanded list of geographies, and will not need to certify end advertisers with Google to promote this content.

In accordance with local laws, regulations, and industry standards, Gambling creatives, e.g.,

• Online casinos and sport books
• Bingo and slot machine sites or apps
• Online lottery ticket and scratch card purchases
• Online sports betting
• Games using virtual currencies with real-world value

will be able to serve beyond select US states only including in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Taiwan, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Korea (the Republic of), Latvia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, Serbia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, and United Kingdom.

The full language of the policy will be published on the policy page on August 10, 2026. This update is specifically for the Authorized Buyers policy, and does not impact other policies like the Google Ads Gambling and games policy. As a result of this change, you may notice an increase in online gambling ads appearing on your sites in certain geographies.

In Google Ad Manager, Protections help you manage your brand, and determine which inventory you want to make available. To learn how you can block ads from specific categories, review the Protections overview help center article.

Until next time,
The Google Ad Manager Team

This update comes at the height of the viral controversy involving top influencer Ivana Alawi giving away 100 iPhone 17 devices to her followers in exchange for following the Casino Plus FB page.