Google allows online gaming adverts ahead of Ontario launch

The release of online gambling in Ontario, Canada slated for April 4th, Google has released its new guidelines for gambling advertising in Canada.

As the technology giant has the authority to target the rules and regulations of its search engine and online advertising tools by region or country, Google has formally not permitted any iGaming or sports wagering activity to be advertised in Canada.

With the new amendment to its list of advertising regulations, Canada is now set to ‘permitted with limitations’ for online gambling. Particularly, Google will now allow adverts from ‘region-licensed establishments’ regarding online casino and sports betting products.

As it is to all gambling-associated advertising, Google demands the advertiser must be certified by the company.

Displaying on its Advertising policy page, Google states: “we allow responsible gambling advertising and stand by local gaming rules and industry standards, so we won’t permit some kinds of gambling-associated advertising. Gambling supported ads are permitted if they comply with the policies below and the advertiser has received the proper Google Ads certification”

“Gambling-related advertising must be country targeted and approved, must have a landing page that reveals information about responsible gambling, and should never target minors”.

Based on the information from iGaming Ontario, which works hand in hand with the regulatory authorities in the province, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), 16 companies have been issued licences to start activities from April 4th.

PointsBet, Rivalry Corporation, 888 Holdings, and BetMGM are among the early applicants.

Approval has been granted to Rightlander to release its suite of gambling compliance products in Ontario, also the International Betting Integrity Association has agreed with the Canadian Gaming Association to ensure betting ethics and anti-corruption policies are complied to.