Google tightens India gambling ad rules as regulatory pressure mounts on unregulated online betting

Google will ban advertising for rummy and daily fantasy sports in India from January 21, aligning its policies with the country’s new online gambling framework, as regulators and industry stakeholders raise concerns over wider unregulated betting ecosystems, including skin-based gambling targeting minors.

India.- Google has announced a significant update to its gambling and games advertising policy for India, reinforcing restrictions on gambling-related promotions as the country moves to tighten control over online betting activities. From January 21, all Google Ads promoting rummy and daily fantasy sports to Indian users will be prohibited, bringing the platform in line with India’s Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act (PROGA) 2025.

While the policy change directly affects rummy and fantasy sports operators, the move reflects a broader regulatory shift focused on limiting exposure to gambling-like products and closing loopholes in the digital gambling ecosystem. Under Google’s revised framework, any gambling-promoting content targeting India must fully comply with local law, maintain valid licences and certifications, and adhere to strict safeguards, including the prohibition of advertising to minors.

Google defines gambling as staking something of value on outcomes determined partly by chance, with the opportunity to win something of value. This definition extends beyond traditional online casinos and sportsbooks to include gambling-style games that use virtual currencies or digital items with real-world value. As a result, formats not explicitly permitted under Indian law are now automatically ineligible for advertising.

The policy update comes amid growing scrutiny of unregulated online gambling models that operate outside formal licensing regimes. Recent research has highlighted the rapid expansion of skin-based gambling, where in-game cosmetic items are wagered on third-party platforms offering casino-style games, esports betting and loot-based mechanics. These platforms typically require little more than a gaming account login, with no age verification or responsible gambling tools, placing younger users at particular risk.

Industry analysts note that such models blur the line between gaming and gambling, exploiting regulatory gaps by avoiding direct cash transactions.

India’s decision to ban the promotion of real-money gaming has already had a material impact on the market. Domestic and international operators were forced to withdraw or restructure offerings, while affiliates and marketing networks reliant on Google Ads face reduced visibility. 

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Google will ban advertising for rummy and daily fantasy sports in India from January 21, aligning its policies with the country’s new online gambling framework, as regulators and industry stakeholders…