Google Opens the Ad Door to Prediction Markets and Keeps It Shut on Binary Options

Google Officially Categorizes Prediction Markets as Finance, Not Gambling

Google announced on Tuesday the search engine will begin allowing regulated prediction markets to run Google Ads starting Jan. 21, provided they comply with strict policy guidelines and local laws. Perhaps more importantly, the move means Google has formally categorized regulated prediction markets as financial services, not gambling. For an industry that has spent the last year fighting the “gambling” label in courtrooms, regulatory hearings, a…

Google opens prediction markets to advertising, but only for CFTC-regulated platforms

Google Ads will permit prediction market advertising starting January 21, 2026, exclusively for platforms authorized by CFTC as Designated Contract Markets or NFA-registered brokerages. Continue reading this article on ppc.land. Sign up the PPC Land newsletter to get the latest marketing news.

Google Opens the Ad Door to Prediction Markets and Keeps It Shut on Binary Options

Google will allow prediction market ads in the U.S. only for federally regulated firms, distinguishing CFTC-regulated event contracts from binary options, which remain prohibited. Starting January 21, 2026, Google will permit ads for “Exchange-Listed Event Contracts.” Only CFTC-authorized platforms, such as Kalshi, or brokerages registered with the NFA offering access to approved DCMs, may qualify. By setting these conditions, Google uses regula…