Google Ads To Permit Ads For Prediction Markets

"A prediction market is an online platform where people trade contracts based on the outcome of future events, like elections or sports, with prices reflecting the market's collective forecast of the probability for each outcome. Participants buy "yes" or "no" contracts (e.g., 60 cents for a 60% chance of a candidate winning) and profit if their prediction is correct and the price moves in their favor, creating an incentive for research and accurate forecasting."

"Google announced, "Google is updating its advertising policies on January 21, 2026, to permit ads for Prediction Markets (defined as platforms that facilitate the listing of or provide customer access to Exchange-Listed Event Contracts related to economics, sports, or current events) in the United States, but only for federally regulated entities." Advertisers must apply for certification through Google to run ads targeting the United States."

"Eligibility is limited to entities who meet the following criteria: Those authorized by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission as Designated Contract Market (DCM) whose primary business must be the listing of Exchange-Listed Event Contracts (e.g., specialized platforms listing economic or sports outcomes); or Those authorized as a Brokerage by the National Futures Association (NFA) to offer third-party access to products listed by a DCM that meets the criteria specified above."

Google Ads will permit advertising for Prediction Markets in the United States beginning January 21, 2026, limited to federally regulated entities that obtain Google certification. Prediction markets are online platforms where participants trade yes/no contracts on future events and profit when prices move in their favor, creating incentives for accurate forecasting. Eligible advertisers must be either Commodity Futures Trading Commission–authorized Designated Contract Markets that primarily list Exchange-Listed Event Contracts or National Futures Association–authorized brokerages offering third-party access to such products. Advertisements are allowed only in specified locations and only if advertisers hold required licenses and meet all eligibility and certification criteria.

Read at Search Engine Roundtable