Google will begin accepting applications for online gambling ad certification directly in Google Ads accounts. The company announced the change on 15 October 2026 in its ad policy change log. The option will roll out gradually and, at first, only to some advertisers. Google has not said when it will reach everyone.
Affected advertisers will be able to apply either through the Google Ads Help Center, as before, or in their account under Admin → Policy → Account. Existing certifications and pending applications are not affected.
The notice covers only how applications are submitted. Google does not mention changes to certification criteria or review times. The Gambling and games policy still requires a valid local license and a separate application for each targeted country.
The notice names the "Online gambling" category. Google does not say whether the new form also covers affiliates and aggregators, or non-casino games that require certification.
Google is moving applications into accounts in stages. In its 4 May entry, Google said applications for cryptocurrency and complex speculative financial product certifications are now submitted in the account and are no longer accepted through the Help Center. For social casino games, Google announced the rollout on 27 July for August, and from September applications in that category are no longer accepted through the Help Center. For online gambling, both routes remain for now, and no date has been given for closing the Help Center route.
Access is not opening for everyone at once, so advertisers should check each account separately for the new option.
