Google has added two gambling-related entries to its Ads policy change log, according to the company's official 2026 Policy Changes page as tracked by AuditSocials. One prohibits prediction market ads in Connecticut and the other extends YouTube Masthead ad eligibility to certified online gambling advertisers.

The entries are titled "Update to Prediction Markets (October 2026)" and "Updates to YouTube Masthead Ad Requirements (October 2026)". AuditSocials detected the change on October 8, 2026.

According to the linked notice, prediction market ads in Connecticut are prohibited from October 7, 2026.

From October 21, 2026, YouTube Masthead ads are permitted for online gambling advertisers certified under Google's Gambling and games policy, the notice states. The allowance excludes advertisers of online-gambling promoting content who are not subject to mandatory state or national gambling registration. Google's page describes this as an expansion of the existing Masthead allowance for sports betting.

The changes affect paid ads in the gaming and esports industry. AuditSocials rated the severity of the update as medium.