Google Maps API without key?

Question

How do you utilize Google Maps v3 API without the key? I've seen it in this example but cannot figure out what specifically is causing it not to error out.

Edit: In case someone suggests it, the other answers on this topic on StackOverflow are outdated and no longer applicable.

Answer 1

A key is now required. Previously it wasn't required and sites that used the API without a key prior to June 22, 2016 have been grandfathered to allow them to continue to work.

See this blog post for additional information (relevant text below):

As of June 22, 2016 we are making the following changes to the Google Maps APIs Standard Plan:

1. We no longer support keyless access (any request that doesn't include an API key). Future product updates are only available for requests made with an API key. API keys allow us to contact developers when required and help us identify misbehaving implementations.
2. We have implemented a simple 25,000 map loads per day free limit to new Google Maps JavaScript API, Static Maps API, and Street View Image API implementations. The confusing 90-consecutive-day grace period for these APIs is being retired on October 12, 2016. With this change, developers can predictably plan for growth while media sites and US nonprofits can request more quota at no charge via our dedicated support programs.
3. We have reduced the daily map load maximum limit you can purchase for Google Maps JavaScript API, Static Maps API, and Street View Image API from 1,000,000 to 100,000 requests per API.* We believe higher-volume developers are best served with a Premium Plan license, which includes technical support and a Service Level Agreement, and with this change we've also created consistency between Standard Plan quotas across our maps and web service APIs.
4. We now count Google Maps JavaScript API client-side requests towards the daily limit of the associated web service API.*

The new policies will apply immediately to all Maps API implementations created on or after June 22nd, 2016.

Existing applications have been grandfathered based on their current usage to ensure that they continue to function both now and in the future. We will also be proactively contacting all existing API key users who, based on usage growth patterns, may be impacted in the future. If you’re an existing user, please take the time to read our Policy Update for Standard Plan summary for details on how each of these changes might affect your implementation.