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How to Block Gaming Ads on Google?

It’s no doubt that Google caters to the needs of people of different age groups, including teenagers on the web. Hence, it would be unethical to not respect the differences that exist among its billions of users. In understanding this, it has become possible for users to limit the kind of content advertised to them.

Google brands can be accessed with just one account by a user, who by extension, has his details in all. Therefore, ads are displayed to users based on their account info, web history, location, amongst other considerations.

This means that some sensitive ads might be displayed to users whilst using one of the Google brands. Thus, it has become imperative to learn how to block such sensitive ads as gambling while on google.

Google’s New Policy on Gambling and Alcohol Ads

In December 2020, Google through Debbie Weinstein, Vice President, YouTube and Video Global Solutions, announced that users could block gambling ads. By the new policy which had taken effect on YouTube USA in 2020, alcohol-related ads could also be blocked. According to her, the block policy would be made available in other parts of the world early this year.

The policy will, in 2021, be applied to all google brands. The policy stems from feedback on YouTube ads that mostly had users muting or cancelling ads related to gambling and alcohol. The policy will allow users to see fewer gambling ads and not outright blocking from all such ads.

So, you might see them but less often than how they had previously appeared in the past. After you might have blocked such gambling ads, you can opt-out and reverse the block. This goes to say that the policy allows for flexibility for players to change their minds around such ads.

How you can Block Ads on Google

Currently, US Google users can only block gambling ads on YouTube, which is presently available in beta mode. To do this, users need to turn on personalized ads, and follow the steps below:

1. Sign in to your Google account on your device.
2. Go to the Google Ad Settings page.
3. Click the Ad personalization button at the top right corner of the page.
4. Scroll down and click the Ad Categories on YouTube button.
5. You will see the Alcohol, and Gambling categories.
6. Click Gambling and click See Fewer.
7. Click Continue to confirm your decision.

Once the foregoing is done, you would see fewer gambling ads popping up on YouTube or other Google apps you use. Of course, this would start happening when the feature is made open for UK Google users in a few months’ time.

Other Blockers You Can Try

Beyond google ads, the UK is an ecosystem of strong gambling laws, regulations, and compliance monitoring. This suffices to state that players’ interests are always placed first above everything else, which is why problem gambling is being tackled aggressively.
Part of the measures in tackling problem gambling is the operation of the software that enables you to block gambling websites. So, in addition to blocking gambling ads on google sites, you can block all gambling sites operating in the UK. Some of such software you can use in the UK are as follows:

GamStop

GamStop is a self-exclusion platform that helps you block gambling sites of operators within the UK. Run by the National Online Self-Exclusion Scheme Limited, players can deactivate for 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. Once you block gambling sites, you cannot reverse the block until the term lapses, making for more effective self-restraint.

GamStop is available on all devices, while you can link it on all your personal gadgets too. But this service will not block companies at NonStop Casino not on GamStop that are available for Brits. The self-exclusion service of GamStop relates to core gambling support, emotional support, practical controls, debt management and counselling.

GamBan

GamBan is one of the most popular software for blocking gambling sites and apps within the UK. GamBan services are paid, with monthly and annual subscriptions you can use to block gambling sites and apps. GamBan has been supported by banks and casinos, with both offering a free promo to their customers.

This makes the software free to access, instead of paying for it. Gamcare has partnered with GamBan to provide free software blocking services to users on the Gamcare network. So, you can also join Gamcare and access GamBan free.

Conclusion

Google is constantly making bold efforts to protect its very many users on the web. Admittedly, the addition of personalized controls for blocking gambling ads is a step in the best direction for the company. Hence, users wishing to drop gambling can do so with the new policy.

Assisting the Google ads blocking policy are gambling blocking services like GamStop and GanBan. These services would also help you steer clear of gambling.