Google to Ban Online Gambling Ads in Croatia

Google is set to stop allowing online gambling advertisements targeting users in Croatia from October 7, 2026, introducing a policy change that will affect media platforms and affiliates relying on Google to promote gambling-related content.

Alongside the advertising ban, Google will revoke the existing certifications held by online gambling advertisers. New applications for certifications to promote online gambling content in Croatia will also no longer be accepted.

Under Croatia-specific terms for Google Ads, gambling-related advertising targeting the country will be prohibited from October 7.

Google Ads stated:

“Under the updated policy, all promotion of content related to online gambling and targeting Croatia will be prohibited effective October 7, 2026. All existing certifications for advertisers of content promoting online gambling will be revoked and applications for these certifications will no longer be accepted.”

The change is expected to have a particular impact on affiliate websites and other media businesses that rely on advertising as a source of funding.

Google linked the policy update to Croatia’s new restrictions on gambling advertising, which came into effect on January 1, 2026, following amendments to the country’s Gambling legislation.

Google also stated that the policy change is being implemented independently of the restrictions already present in Croatia’s advertising market.