Heads up, marketers: Google Ads is putting the brakes on certain gambling promotions in India. Starting January 21, 2026, ads for Rummy and Daily Fantasy Sports are officially off-limits. For anyone running campaigns in this space, that’s a wake-up call and a nudge to get creative with how you reach your audience.
Gambling Google Ads agency faces new rules
So, what’s changing? Basically, if your campaign promotes Rummy or Daily Fantasy Sports to Indian users, Google Ads won’t touch it, licenses or certifications don’t matter anymore. Before, there was a narrow path for running these ads legally, but now it’s closed. Google says it’s all about keeping things in line with India’s evolving gaming regulations and applying ad rules consistently across the platform.
The impact hits fantasy sports platforms, real-money gaming operators, affiliate marketers, and digital agencies hard. If your team relies on Google’s ad network to drive players or build your brand, it’s time to pivot. This isn’t just a small tweak; it’s a major industry shake-up.
How businesses can adjust fast
Here’s the reality: you’ve got just 14 days to either pause or completely rethink campaigns targeting Indian users. Keep going as usual, and your ads could get rejected or worse, your account could face penalties. That’s not the kind of “risk” anyone wants to advertise.
For a gambling Google Ads agency, this is basically a full-on wake-up call. Now’s the time to explore alternative channels, refresh ad strategies, and double-check every compliance box. It’s not just about staying legal. It’s about staying smart and ahead of the curve in a fast-changing market.
Sure, it’s a challenge, but think of it as an opportunity. Agencies that pivot quickly will not only survive but may even discover more creative, responsible ways to reach their audience and look good doing it.
