Google will stop affiliates and media platforms from using its ad services to publish gambling content or promotions aimed at audiences in Croatia from October 7, 2026.
The tech giant issued an official notice outlining the scope of the policy change and its immediate consequences for advertisers currently operating in the Croatian market.
In its notice, Google stated: “On October 7, 2026, Google Ads will update the country-specific information for Croatia in the Gambling and Gaming policy.”
The notice continued: “Under the updated policy, all promotion of content related to online gambling and targeting Croatia will be prohibited effective October 7, 2026.”
Google also confirmed that “all existing certifications for advertisers of content promoting online gambling will be revoked, and applications for these certifications will no longer be accepted.”
The measure is expected to have a significant impact on affiliate websites and media portals that rely on paid advertising to drive traffic toward gambling platforms.
Importantly, the policy change does not affect online gambling operators who are promoting their own products directly to Croatian audiences.
Croatia’s regulations, as referenced in Google’s country table, permit advertising of casino games and betting by operators licensed by Croatian authorities, while lotteries and bingo remain restricted to the state operator Hrvatska Lutrija.
The Google policy shift comes after Croatia’s HDZ government introduced sweeping restrictions on gambling advertising as of January 1, 2026, covering multiple media channels and formats.
Those restrictions include a watershed rule prohibiting online, television, and radio gambling advertising between 6am and 11pm, alongside a ban on gambling promotions in print media and publicly visible spaces such as billboards.
Digital publications are prohibited from including links directing readers to gambling operators, and bonus promotions, free spins, and similar incentives may only appear on operators’ own websites.
Celebrities, media personalities, and social-media influencers are all banned from featuring in gambling campaigns or livestreaming gambling-related content under the Croatian framework.
Sponsorship arrangements remain permitted but are strictly limited to displaying an operator’s corporate name, logo, and recognisable brand marks, with no calls to gamble or references to promotional offers allowed.
All permitted gambling advertising in Croatia must carry clear warnings stating that gambling can cause addiction and that participation by minors is strictly prohibited.
