CPA Networks
Ad Networks
Affiliate Programs
Offer base
Google has updated its Gambling and Games Policy, officially removing sweepstakes casinos from the “social casino games” advertising category. The change was announced on Google’s policy support page on October 28, 2025.
What’s Changing in Google Ads Policy
According to the updated policy, sweepstake-style games, often called “sweepstakes casinos”, are no longer considered social casino games.
Previously, advertisers offering such games could apply for certification under Google’s “social casino” category, which allowed them to promote apps that simulate gambling without real money stakes. With this update, sweepstakes casinos will now fall outside this definition, meaning their ads may be restricted or removed if not compliant with Google’s gambling policies.
The new classification treats sweepstakes casino platforms more like real-money gambling operators rather than social gaming services. This will likely impact how iGaming advertisers promote these apps and require stricter compliance checks.
Why It Matters
The policy shift marks another step by Google toward tightening its gambling-related ad categories. By separating sweepstakes casinos from traditional social games, the company wants to ensure better transparency and regulatory alignment across regions where gambling laws may differ.
If you’re an advertiser running sweepstake-based campaigns, review their certifications and ad settings to avoid violations and maintain compliance under the new policy.
