YouTube will allow certified igaming ads in masthead placement

Google has not yet said which markets will be covered, and only operators with mandatory gambling registration will qualify.

Key takeaways

• Google will extend eligibility beyond sports betting to allow certified online gambling operators in other verticals to advertise through YouTube’s masthead placement from October 21 2026.
• The placements gives advertisers prominent visibility.in a video advertisement at the top of YouTube’s homepage,
• Google has not yet specified which markets will be included in the expansion.

US.- Google will allow certified online gambling operators to advertise through YouTube’s Masthead placement from October 21, 2026, extending eligibility beyond sports betting to other forms of online gaming. The format offers a video advertisement at the top of YouTube’s homepage, giving advertisers prominent visibility.

Google has not yet specified which markets will be included in the expansion. Operators will need to hold certification under Google’s Gambling and Games policy and comply with applicable legislation, regional licensing conditions and age restrictions, it said. The updated policy excludes advertisers who are not subject to state or national gambling registration requirements.

The change follows an update to Google’s gambling advertising certification process on September 14. This extended the “good policy health” checks that the company began applying in selected gambling markets in March 2026 to every category covered by the Gambling and Games Policy. Advertisers must obtain and maintain certification before gambling ads can run. Accounts that fail the checks can be blocked from advertising, and existing certifications can be withdrawn.

The update also tightened oversight of Manager Accounts (MCCs), the agency and third-party structures used to run multiple advertiser accounts. MCCs with repeated online gambling certificate revocations, or accounts under MCC management that are repeatedly flagged for gambling violations while using a certificate, forfeit eligibility to apply for any new online gambling certificates and may have existing certifications revoked.

Meanwhile, Google prohibited browser extensions that facilitate or promote real-money prediction markets from the Chrome Web Store from August 1. The new Developer Program Policies affect extensions linked to platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket, which typically display real-time contract prices, send alerts or simplify order placement while users browse. Simulated products that offer no cash prizes may remain available if they clearly state that users cannot win real money.