Google will stop affiliates and media platforms from using its advertising services to promote gambling content to audiences in Croatia from 7 October 2026. The company confirmed the change through an update to the country-specific terms of its Google Ads gambling policy.
From this deadline, Google will revoke all existing certifications for advertisers promoting online gambling in Croatia and stop accepting new applications. The notice stated: “On October 7, 2026, Google Ads will update the country-specific information for Croatia in the Gambling and Gaming policy.
“Under the updated policy, all promotion of content related to online gambling and targeting Croatia will be prohibited effective October 7, 2026. All existing certifications for advertisers of content promoting online gambling will be revoked, and applications for these certifications will no longer be accepted.”
The restriction will affect affiliate websites and media portals using paid advertising to direct users towards gambling operators.
Croatia operates under strict gambling advertising restrictions
The Google change follows wider restrictions introduced by Croatia from 1 January 2026. Online, television and radio gambling adverts are prohibited between 6am and 11pm, while promotion is also banned in print media and public spaces such as billboards.
Digital publications cannot include links directing readers to gambling operators. Bonuses, free spins and similar incentives can only be promoted on operators’ own websites. Celebrities and media personalities are banned from gambling campaigns, while social-media influencers cannot promote or livestream gambling.
Sponsorship remains permitted but is limited to corporate names, logos and recognisable brand marks without calls to gamble or references to promotions. Permitted advertising must include warnings about gambling addiction and underage participation.
Kalshi partnership raises questions over enforcement consistency
Google said its Croatian advertising changes were made independently of the government’s restrictions. However, local media have questioned enforcement after the Croatia Football Federation announced a partnership with US prediction markets operator Kalshi in June.
Kalshi branding appeared across federation social media and in a campaign featuring Croatian footballer Luka Modric. Media outlets questioned why no government agency moved to cancel the agreement, because prediction markets are still an unregulated grey area in Croatia.
Google’s latest decision adds another layer of restriction to a Croatian market with one of Europe’s tightest advertising rules. The bigger issue is consistency regarding prediction-market partnerships such as Kalshi’s football federation deal, which remain in a regulatory grey area.
Explore more:
Share
3 views
