Google has announced that it will allow online gambling ads in Cameroon and Namibia starting from August 19, 2025—but only if they meet strict legal and regulatory rules to ensure responsible promotion.
The following strict legal and regulatory rules to be met by Cameroon and Namibia are, only licensed and registered advertisers will be allowed to run gambling ads on Google platforms:
- Cameroon: Operators must be authorized by the Agence de Régulation des Jeux (ARJ).
- Namibia: Advertisers must comply with national regulatory frameworks for gambling and betting.
All operators must demonstrate full compliance with local laws and regulations before being approved to advertise on Google. This update represents a significant shift in how tech companies engage with emerging markets, especially in sensitive sectors like online gambling.
By allowing advertising only for licensed operators, Google acknowledges the growing strength and credibility of regulatory institutions in African countries like Cameroon and Namibia.
This change promotes trust, transparency, and a well-regulated digital gambling ecosystem. Consumers in both countries will benefit from enhanced safeguards, includes Compliance with national regulatory standards for all ads, adherence to Google’s global advertising policies which prohibit, targeting minors or vulnerable individuals and Misleading or harmful promotions.
This dual layer of enforcement by local regulators and Google aims to protect users from illegal gambling schemes and ensure a safer online experience.
For legitimate gambling businesses, this policy change opens a valuable opportunity to legally advertise and connect with audiences in Cameroon and Namibia markets that were previously inaccessible on Google platforms.
This move is expected to encourage industry growth, innovation, and market formalization, bringing gambling into a clear, legal framework.
Google’s decision to include Cameroon and Namibia in its regulated gambling advertising ecosystem could serve as a model for other African nations.
It shows how governments can collaborate with global platforms to strengthen oversight, protect consumers, and support sustainable digital development.
As more African countries enhance their regulatory infrastructure, major tech companies are likely to continue adapting their policies to support local compliance and promote responsible digital engagement across the continent.
