Google To Ban Cryptocurrency Adverts

In a move that may well shock and anger many, google has announced that the advertising of cryptocurrencies across all its platforms will be banned as of June (2018).

Updated: 26 January 2024 By Becky Mosley

In a move that may well shock and anger many, google has announced that the advertising of cryptocurrencies across all its platforms will be banned as of June (2018).Google has given no reason for the ban on “cryptocurrencies and related content (including but not limited to initial coin offerings, cryptocurrency exchanges, cryptocurrency wallets, and cryptocurrency trading advice)” but speculation is that Google feel there is a lack of protection for the consumer when it comes to the complex trading of cryptocurrencies.Google To Ban Cryptocurrency Adverts

Level playing field

Just a fortnight ago, Mark Carney, the Governor of the Bank of England called for a “level regulatory playing field” for the financial services industry as a whole, including cryptocurrencies, while Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the IMF said on Tuesday:”The rapid growth of crypto-assets, the extreme volatility in their traded prices, and their ill-defined connections to the traditional financial world could easily create new vulnerabilities… We must welcome their potential but also recognise their risks.”

Other restrictions

The new restricted financial products policy from Google means more than a ban on cryptocurrency advertising too.Under the new rules, advertisers and affiliates who offer contracts for difference, financial spread betting, and rolling spot forex will need to be certified by Google before being able to advertise via AdWords, and certification will only be available in certain countries.A certification from Google will require licensing by the relevant authority, complying with all AdWords policies and legal requirements from AdWords and those relating to complex speculative financial products.Cryptocurrency is undoubtedly one of the most talked about products at the moment, and the controversial currency has the definite ability to create problems, which is likely why Google have made this decision, although there has still been no direct comment from Google themselves as to why they have taken this decision.

Becky Mosley
Editor-in-Chief at Compare Casino Sites

Rebecca (Becky) Mosley has been at the heart of the UK online gambling industry since 2008 — making her one of the most experienced voices in casino comparison. She is editor-in-chief at Compare Casino Sites and personally oversees every casino review published here.

Becky brings a genuine player-first perspective to everything on CCS. Her approach has always been the same: transparency, fair bonus terms, and responsible gambling above all else. She insists on the same standards from every operator listed on the site — if a casino's terms can't stand up to plain-English scrutiny, it doesn't earn a recommendation.

Over 17 years in the industry, Becky has built deep expertise across UK Gambling Commission licensing, slot game mechanics, bonus structures, and the constantly evolving regulatory landscape. She works directly with operators and software providers to keep every listing accurate, and reviews each casino's wagering requirements, withdrawal limits, and customer support before a single rating goes live.

Becky is a Companies House registered director.