YouTube allows licensed gambling brands in its Masthead from 21 October
From 21 October 2026, licensed gambling operators can advertise in YouTube's Masthead, the large banner at the top of the home feed, after Google updated its ad rules.
The format
The Masthead is YouTube's most prominent placement and appears across desktop, mobile and connected TV. Videos normally start muted.
- Effective 21 October 2026.
- Google's gambling policy still applies in full.
- Advertisers need a licence or certification in each target country.
Who qualifies
Only operators that comply with Google's gambling policy and are licensed or certified in every market they target can buy the slot. Unlicensed sites stay excluded – a point that matters in Europe, where geoblocking and national licensing rules differ by country.
Background
The move comes amid growing criticism of gambling advertising in the UK, Australia and the US, and as Meta faces scrutiny, including from the UK Gambling Commission, over illegal ads. Read about Paf's pilot with Meta.
Our take
Big ads don't mean better terms. Compare offers such as a welcome bonus or no wagering bonus before signing up.
Source: SBC News, 9 October 2026. This article is a short summary of the original report.