Google Adwords

[Cus81]

Hi all.. I'm thinking about putting a budget into Adwords and was hoping I could get some advice off Adwords users on here. I suppose it would make the most sense to structure the thread in questions so here you are;

1. Adwords - is it worth it/is there money to be made these days?
2. Regarding setting up and running campaigns, I have heard about people getting accounts closed for no reason - does this stuff happen and if so, how best can you avoid it?
3. I understand you have to be Adwords certified to run gambling campaigns (correct me if I'm wrong). If this is the case, is it OK to simply use an agency that is certified to run the ads on your behalf?

In addition to answering these questions, any general advice on the subject is very much appreciated. Cheers.

[econfox]

Getting certified to run campaigns in New Jersey isn't that difficult. Just apply to a casino/sportsbook as an affiliate. They will not approve you until you are certified so if they like your site they will send you a link for the NJ gaming commission. The form you fill out is pretty simple and if I remember right it took about 2 weeks for approval.

I had a site up so it didn't take long for the affiliate manager to contact me.
Do not have anything to do with offshore books or casinos on your site or it is an instant no.
If you have offshore sites then I would get a new host for the onshore sites and run them as separate businesses. If they find out you have any connection to the offshore gaming they will stop you immediately.

GL & when you first start out there is a google $100 adwords credit. I would use that for testing to get started.

[Cus81]

Thanks for the reply - very helpful. I'm in the UK - does anyone Uk based have any experience they can share? When it said about being certified, I assumed it meant that you had done the Adwords certification/qualification. Is this not the case?

[econfox]

I was a certified adwords but it is not required to run campaigns for your own sites. All you have to do is fill out the NJ form to be an affiliate. But, if there is anything offshore about your site then they will say no. Don't even have an article about offshore casinos on it.
You will need to provide company info for tax reasons & if I remember right the affiliate agreement required no business with offshore sportsbooks at all. Not even for other sites I own.

[newcustomeroffer]

Thanks for the reply - very helpful. I'm in the UK - does anyone Uk based have any experience they can share? When it said about being certified, I assumed it meant that you had done the Adwords certification/qualification. Is this not the case?

I ran a small (UK) campaign for a while without ceritfication but google soon spotted it and closed it down. Was very expensive and also got some immediate flack from an operator as we'd not set their brand as a negative keyword, even though we weren't actively targeting the branded term that they highlighted. Not bothered since.

My understanding is that you need an aggregator licence:

Online gambling

If you want to advertise for online gambling, you must be certified by Google. Learn how to apply for certification.

Promotion of online, real-money gambling

Examples: Online casinos or bookmakers, bingo or slots sites or apps, online lottery ticket or scratchcard purchase, online sports betting, games played with virtual currencies or items that have real-world value

Promotion of sites that contain or link to content relating to online gambling

Examples: Promotional products such as vouchers or bonus codes; educational materials such as tutorials or e-books; software such as poker odds calculators; other gambling-related information including tips, odds, handicapping and sports picks; aggregator or affiliate sites that promote gambling-related content.

A few other older threads on the forum if you search through.

[Sportboy]

I'm in the middle of a confirmation. But it's already been a week. After a phone call with Google, a confirmation can take up to two weeks - I have the "Smart product".