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Google tightens gambling ad rules for UAE with stricter licensing

UAE advertisers face tougher hurdles as Google cracks down on unlicensed gambling promotions. Will this reshape the region's betting landscape?

The image shows a poster advertising a casino in Paris featuring a gorilla and a woman. The poster...
The image shows a poster advertising a casino in Paris featuring a gorilla and a woman. The poster has text written on it, likely describing the casino and its features.

Google tightens gambling ad rules for UAE with stricter licensing

Globally, Google maintains a restricted global gambling advertising policy, meaning that: - gambling advertising is permissible only in jurisdictions that have legalized gambling - advertisers are required to be licensed locally and certified by Google. - advertising content must comply strictly with the rules surrounding responsible messaging and responsible gambling advertising practices.

For operators to be eligible, they must hold a valid GCGRA/Google Ads license and have completed the required certification prior to advertising their services. Gambling may also be advertised in certain categories including online gaming (e.g.-games of chance), lottery or sports betting, provided that all applicable local regulations are followed.

As a result, the updated gambling advertising policy represents a more structured regulatory framework to govern gambling advertising within the UAE, as it prescribes stricter rules for platform operators respective to the eligibility of advertisers.

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