Compliance Updates
Google Updates Gambling Ad Policy for Germany
Google has announced significant changes to its Gambling and games policy specifically for the German market. The update, set to take effect on September 25, 2024, introduces stricter requirements for gambling operators and brokers seeking to advertise on Google’s platforms in Germany. This policy revision aims to align Google’s advertising practices with German regulations and ensure compliance with local gambling laws.
According to the announcement, which came exactly one month before the implementation date, only gambling operators and brokers licensed by the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) will be eligible to apply for advertising certification for gambling products outlined in Google’s Gambling and games policy. The GGL, which translates to the Joint Gambling Authority of the German Federal States, is the central regulatory body overseeing gambling activities in Germany.
This policy update represents a significant shift in Google’s approach to gambling advertisements in the German market. Previously, a broader range of gambling-related services could potentially advertise on Google’s platforms. However, with the new policy, applications from advertisers of online gambling services who do not meet the GGL licensing criteria will no longer be accepted. This change extends to services offering gambling aggregation, such as websites that link to multiple offers from different operators on their landing pages.
The implications of this policy update are far-reaching for the online gambling industry in Germany. Existing certifications for services that do not meet the new criteria will be revoked on the policy’s effective date, September 25, 2024. This revocation will prevent these services from running gambling ads targeted at the German market through Google’s advertising platforms.
To understand the full impact of this policy change, it’s essential to delve into the technical aspects of Google’s advertising ecosystem. Google Ads, the primary platform for advertisers to reach Google’s vast user base, operates on a complex system of policies and certifications. The Gambling and games policy is a crucial component of this system, designed to ensure that gambling-related advertisements comply with local laws and regulations.
The certification process for gambling advertisers on Google involves several steps. Advertisers must first ensure they meet the eligibility requirements for their specific country or region. With the new policy update, this eligibility in Germany will be directly tied to GGL licensing. Once eligibility is confirmed, advertisers must complete an application process, which includes providing detailed information about their gambling operations and licenses.
Google’s policy update reflects the evolving regulatory landscape of online gambling in Germany. The country has implemented stricter controls on online gambling in recent years, culminating in the establishment of the GGL as a centralised regulatory authority. This move towards centralised regulation aims to create a more consistent and controlled environment for online gambling across all German states.
The policy change also highlights the challenges faced by multinational technology companies in navigating diverse regulatory environments across different countries. Google, as a global platform, must balance its business interests with compliance with local laws and regulations. This often results in country-specific policy updates, as seen in this case for Germany.
For gambling operators and advertisers, the policy update necessitates a reevaluation of their digital marketing strategies in the German market. Those without GGL licensing will need to explore alternative advertising channels or pursue licensing if they wish to continue advertising on Google’s platforms. This could potentially lead to a shift in the competitive landscape of online gambling advertising in Germany.
It’s worth noting that Google’s policy update aligns with broader trends in digital advertising regulation, particularly in sensitive sectors like gambling. Regulatory bodies and technology platforms are increasingly focused on ensuring that online advertisements for gambling services are responsible and comply with local laws.
The timing of this announcement, coming exactly 30 days before the implementation date, provides a window for affected advertisers to adjust their strategies. However, given the complexity of obtaining gambling licenses, this timeline may pose challenges for operators not already in the process of securing GGL licensing.
Google’s policy update also raises questions about the future of gambling advertising on other digital platforms. As major tech companies often follow similar regulatory trends, it’s possible that other advertising platforms may implement comparable policies in the German market or other jurisdictions with strict gambling regulations.
From a technical standpoint, the implementation of this policy will likely involve updates to Google’s ad review systems.
The post Google Updates Gambling Ad Policy for Germany appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Digitain is proud to announce that its payment platform, Paydrom, has successfully achieved PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) certification. This certification marks a key step in Paydrom’s mission to provide a trusted and secure payment environment for its partners.
The PCI DSS certification is a globally recognized standard designed to ensure that companies processing, storing, or transmitting credit card information maintain a secure environment. By obtaining this certification, Paydrom demonstrates its dedication to safeguarding sensitive customer data and preventing fraud across its payment services.
Arin Andriazian, Chief of Paydrom Product, commented: “Receiving PCI DSS certification is a significant validation of the secure infrastructure we’ve built at Paydrom. In an industry where trust and reliability are non-negotiable, this achievement sends a clear message to the industry: the customers’ sensitive data are protected by world-class security standards.
As we continue to expand globally, maintaining the highest levels of data protection will remain central to our promise to every partner who relies on Paydrom.”
Arshak Muradyan, Group Chief Compliance Officer at Digitain, added: “The PCI DSS certification reflects our long-term vision to deliver a payment platform, along with the entire products portfolio of the Digitain Group in the gambling sphere, that is as efficient as it is innovative. From a compliance perspective, this certification is a critical milestone that strengthens the foundation built on transparency, consistency, and security. It ensures that our partners can rely on Paydrom and the Digitain Group’s solutions with full confidence, knowing that every transaction and product interaction upholds the highest standards of data integrity and protection. This achievement reaffirms our commitment to maintaining rigorous compliance standards essential for safeguarding sensitive payment data and sustaining trust across all our offerings”.
With this certification, Paydrom continues to offer businesses a safe and efficient way to manage their payments. The certification also assures partners and clients that Paydrom follows strict protocols to protect sensitive payment information.
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Compliance Updates
New Zealand Government Releases Refreshed Strategy to Prevent and Minimise Gambling Harm
The Minister for Mental Health in New Zealand, Matt Doocey, has announced that the Government has released the refreshed Strategy to Prevent and Minimise Gambling Harm.
“The updated strategy includes a targeted investment of over $81 million to improve access to support, strengthen prevention and early intervention and reduce the impact of gambling-related harm across New Zealand,” Mr Doocey said.
“We know that simply announcing strategies isn’t enough to make a material difference. We want New Zealanders to see real change and make progress, that is why as part of this strategy we’ve built in an independent review in 2025/26 to track what’s working, and what’s not.
“The strategy focuses on delivering timely, effective support for individuals, families and communities affected by gambling harm. Key areas of investment include increasing access to treatment and support, improving prevention and early intervention initiatives, and improving the effectiveness of support for those experiencing gambling harm.
“We know one of the biggest barriers to people accessing support is workforce, that is why the plan includes ways we will grow the gambling harm workforce. We will be creating up to 18 additional clinical internship places.
“It is expected these interns will be supported to develop gambling harm expertise by working closely with a supervisor in a clinical setting. This approach is necessary to bridge the gap between education and work and will give interns the practical experience needed to help people affected by gambling harm.
“Not only will this ensure more people can access help, but this will also support people who could otherwise struggle to meet the requirements to become registered clinicians.
“One in five New Zealanders will be affected by gambling harm in their lifetime—either directly or through someone they know. This can have devastating effects not only on individuals, but also on their families and wider communities.”
Services will be funded through the new Problem Gambling Levy Regulations, paid by non-casino gaming machine operators, casinos, TAB NZ and Lotto NZ. Work is also underway on how online casino operators will contribute under upcoming regulations.
The strategy was developed through a two-stage consultation process and strongly reflects the voices of people with lived experience.
“I want to thank those who shared their experiences with us. You’ve helped ensure this strategy is reflective of real-life experiences and have helped to ground the strategy with a strong understanding of what support works best for you and our communities,” Mr Doocey said.
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High Roller Technologies, operator of the premium online casino brands High Roller and Fruta, announced the submission of its Internet Gaming Operator license application in Ontario, Canada, targeting the launch of its flagship brand HighRoller.com in the second half of 2025.
“The submission of our licensing application to access Ontario’s regulated online gambling market is an important milestone in our Company’s journey. Once our application is approved, we anticipate that we will have the opportunity to launch our online casino product into the market later this year,” said Ben Clemes, Chief Executive Officer at High Roller.
Ontario is one of the largest regulated online gambling markets in the world as measured by gross gaming revenue. In 2024, regulated online gambling operators within the province generated approximately $2.3B in gross gaming revenue, and growth continues to be recorded in the first half of 2025. Recently, the province of Alberta passed enabling legislation to establish a regulatory framework for online gambling. Once available, the Company also intends to pursue licensure in Alberta to expand its regulated market footprint in Canada.
“Ontario is missing an elegant brand like High Roller. We’re excited to roll out the red carpet for our new customers, and we’re looking forward to showcasing our tremendous product,” said Clemes.
The post High Roller Submits Gaming License Application in Ontario appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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