YouTube Tightens Restrictions on Online Gambling Content
YouTube is set to impose stricter regulations on content related to online gambling. The platform announced that, starting March 19, it will prohibit mentions, logo displays, or video links to gambling sites that are not approved by Google. The Verge reported on this policy update.
Under the new guidelines, users under the age of 18 or those not signed in to YouTube will be restricted from viewing online gambling-related videos. However, videos featuring online sports betting or real-life casino gambling will not fall under this restriction.
YouTube further stated that even if content promotes an approved gambling site, it may still be removed from the platform if it promises "guaranteed winnings." The company emphasized, "We understand that these changes may impact content creators focused on online gambling, but this is a necessary step to protect our community, especially younger audiences."
Notably, YouTube first banned gambling-related masthead advertisements in 2021. Additionally, in 2022, Twitch imposed restrictions on streaming slot, roulette, and dice-based gambling games. Recently, Google announced that it is testing a new machine learning model designed to estimate users’ ages and deliver age-appropriate content accordingly.
