Google Removes Sweepstakes Casinos from the Social Casino Category
On October 28, 2025, Google updated its Gambling and Games policy. Sweepstakes casinos are no longer considered social casinos and are now classified as online gambling, requiring separate licensing.
What Changed in Google’s Policy
On October 28, 2025, Google officially updated its Gambling and Games policy section. The new version clarifies which game types are excluded from the “Social Casino Games” category. In particular, sweepstakes casinos are now removed from this category and recognized as part of online gambling activity.
According to industry sources, ads for operators such as Modo.us, Crown Coins, and McLuck disappeared shortly after the policy changes took effect.
Key Policy Clarifications
Google emphasized that translated versions of its Ads Policy Help Center are provided for convenience only. The English version of the policy remains the official reference for interpretation and enforcement.
Games No Longer Covered by the Social Casino Policy
The update specifies several types of games that are not eligible for certification under the Social Casino policy:
- Games offering real-money winnings or exchangeable real-world rewards;
- Projects that use sweepstakes models with the chance to win cash prizes;
- Online games offering bonuses or items with real-world monetary value.
These games are now classified as online gambling and fall under Google Ads’ dedicated gambling policy restrictions and licensing requirements.
Category Distinctions Under the New Policy
| Category | Description | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Social Casinos | Games without real-money prizes or tangible rewards. | Allowed without a license if they comply with Google Ads’ general policies. |
| Sweepstakes Casinos | Games where players can win real prizes or cash rewards. | Require separate authorization and fall under online gambling rules. |
Why These Changes Matter for Advertisers
Following the policy update, advertisers must review their campaigns to ensure their games or apps are not categorized as online gambling without the proper authorization. Non-compliance may result in ad removals or account suspensions.
Importantly, the revised policy took effect immediately upon publication and now applies to all active Google Ads campaigns.
Key Facts About the Update
- Update date: October 28, 2025;
- Section: Gambling and Games Policy;
- Change: Sweepstakes casinos removed from the Social Casino category;
- Impact: License required for advertising placement;
- Official document language: English.
In summary, Google has tightened its gambling ad policy by removing sweepstakes casinos from the social gaming category, effectively reclassifying them as part of full-scale online gambling operations.