Google has updated its advertising policy following India’s decision to ban online real money gaming (RMG).
According to the search engine’s latest policy update, all ads for rummy and daily fantasy sports targeting players in India will be banned, effective from 21 January.
“From January 21, 2026, Google Ads will update the India country‑specific section of its Gambling and games policy to ensure compliance with local legal requirements,” said a statement from Google.
Although the local requirements have not been specifically outlined, the decision follows the passage of the Promotion and Regulations of Online Gambling Bill 2025 in August, which banned the promotion of online RMG.
Under Google’s gambling and games policy, advertisers are required to maintain all valid licences and certifications for the region they are intending to advertise to.
Previously, amid varying regulatory shifts initiated by state governments across India, Google had allowed the advertising of the two verticals through a certification process that required advertisers to demonstrate licensing compliance.
Major upheaval
India’s decision to ban RMG sent shockwaves through an industry that had been showing strong signs of growth and was projected to reach a value of $9.1bn by 2029.
Domestic operators like Dream11 and the Mobile Premier League, as well as international players such as Flutter, were forced to pull their products from the market following the ruling.
For Flutter, the decision has come with significant financial ramifications.
During the operator’s Q3 earnings call, executives revealed that the company was saddled with a $556m impairment charge related to removing its Junglee offering, as the group posted a net loss of $789m. It was also forced to lay off 350 staff from its New Delhi and Bengaluru offices.
Despite this, the company has maintained a free play version of its content for players in India and appears hopeful of rebuilding its presence in India.
Peter Jackson, Flutter’s chief exec, told investors that the company “all the lobbying and legal challenges that you’d expect” to push for a review of the prohibition.
This article was first published on Affiliate Leaders’ sister title, iGaming Expert.
