The update permits advertisements related to sports betting, including Daily Fantasy Sports, to appear on the Google TV Masthead in these two markets, provided advertisers comply with the related Gambling and games policy. This marks a significant expansion from the platform's previous restrictions on gambling-related content in its premium advertising placement.
Technical specifications remain unchanged
Google TV Masthead advertisements occupy the first slot of the feature carousel when users turn on or return to the home screen of their Google TV devices. The format has historically maintained stricter content requirements compared to other Google advertising surfaces due to its prominent placement and visibility.
According to the Masthead format requirements, image assets must meet specific technical standards: no pixelation, PNG or 72dpi format, and 16:9 aspect ratio. Video assets face more demanding criteria: minimum resolution of 1080p, no pixelation, and 16:9 aspect ratio.
The policy documentation states that "masthead ads are the most prominent Google advertising placement available to advertisers." To ensure high-quality consumer experience, masthead ads must comply with Google Ads policies, ad requirements for YouTube and Discover Feed, and additional format-specific requirements.
Certification requirements for advertisers
Operators seeking to advertise sports betting or Daily Fantasy Sports content on Google TV Masthead must obtain certification through Google's established application process. According to the Gambling and games policy documentation, advertisers must apply for certification from Google to run gambling-related advertisements.
The certification process requires advertisers to demonstrate compliance with local gambling laws and industry standards. In Brazil, advertisers must demonstrate authorization from Brazilian gambling authorities and hold appropriate licensing.Advertising Agency Services
According to the policy, advertisers "must maintain any license, authorization, registration or similar required under this policy for as long as the advertiser remains certified by us and must notify us immediately if any of the above expire or is suspended or terminated." Serving gambling advertisements without valid certification may result in account suspension.
Responsible gambling mandates
All gambling and games-related advertisements on Google's platforms must adhere to consumer protection requirements. According to the policy documentation, advertisements must "only target approved countries, have a landing page that displays information about responsible gambling and never target minors."
The definition of gambling under Google's policy encompasses "staking something of value on the outcome of events or processes determined by an element of chance with the opportunity to win something of value." This definition guides enforcement across all gambling advertising categories.
Google maintains strict enforcement standards for policy violations. The company states it considers violations of gambling policies "egregious" and implements immediate account suspension upon detection without prior warning for certain infractions.
Market context for policy expansion
The gambling advertising landscape has undergone substantial transformation across Google's platform throughout 2024 and 2025. Multiple jurisdictions have seen policy adjustments as regulatory frameworks evolved and Google adapted its certification requirements accordingly.
Brazil experienced major gambling advertising policy changes in September 2024, when Google aligned its policies with new regulatory requirements from the Brazilian Ministry of Finance. Those changes, effective September 30, 2024, required operators to demonstrate authorization requests and obtain Google certification while prohibiting gambling aggregators entirely.Advertising Agency Services.
Source: GMB
