Google opens YouTube Masthead to gambling advertisers
Google is updating its ad policies: from 21 October, YouTube Masthead campaigns become available to online gambling advertisers.
What the Masthead is
The Masthead is a premium ad placement at the top of the YouTube homepage and usually the first thing users see. Its format varies by device, and video ads in it generally play muted.
- The change takes effect on 21 October 2026.
- Advertisers must follow Google's Gambling and games policy.
- A licence or certification is required in every region where the ad runs.
Conditions for operators
Restrictions stay in place: advertisers must comply with Google's gambling policy and hold the relevant licence or certification for each area where they want the ad to appear. Unlicensed sites cannot run these campaigns.
Context
The update comes as campaigns against gambling ads intensify in the UK, Australia and the US, while Meta faces criticism, including from the UK Gambling Commission, over illegal gambling ads. Read more in our story on the Paf and Meta pilot.
What it means for players
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Source: SBC News, 9 October 2026. Written by the Jeton Casinos editorial team based on the source report.