Just saw that Google is updating its gambling ad policies starting April 14, and it looks like things could get a lot more complicated for those of us working in this space.

Operators will now need mandatory certification to run Google Ads, and they have to comply with both national and state-level regulations. Google’s definition of gambling includes online casinos, sportsbooks, and real-money gaming apps, so there’s no ambiguity here.

This raises some big questions for affiliates:

• Will operators reduce spending on paid ads, affecting traffic and commissions?
• Are we going to see a bigger push for organic marketing, influencer deals, and alternative traffic sources?
• Could some brands pivot away from Google Ads entirely and shift budgets elsewhere?

With these changes coming up fast, it would be great to hear what others think. Is this a minor adjustment, or could it shake up the entire affiliate model for gambling brands?