YouTube Cracks Down on Online Gambling Content

YouTube tightens rules for online gambling creators, banning promotion of unapproved sites and restricting content visibility for under-18s. This move aims to protect younger viewers from potential gambling risks.

Key Takeaways:

• YouTube prohibits promotion of unapproved gambling sites by online casino vloggers
• Content restricted for users under 18 or not signed in
• Age restrictions don't apply to in-person casino content or sports betting videos

YouTube has implemented stricter regulations for content creators in the online gambling space, effective March 19. These new rules prohibit vloggers who focus on online slots or virtual casino games from promoting gambling sites or apps not approved by YouTube or Google. This restriction covers verbal mentions, links, and visual representations, including logos in images or text.

The platform has also introduced age restrictions, preventing users under 18 or those not signed in from viewing online gambling content. YouTube stated, "We know this update may impact creators who focus on online gambling content like casino games and applications, but we believe these changes are a necessary step in protecting our community, especially younger viewers."

Notably, the new age restrictions do not apply to content featuring in-person gambling, such as vlogs from physical casinos. This distinction likely stems from the built-in barriers casinos have against underage gambling. Additionally, videos about online sports betting remain unaffected by these changes, reflecting the growing mainstream acceptance of this form of wagering.

YouTube's decision comes amid rising concerns about the accessibility of online gambling to minors. A recent National Institute of Health study found that 60%-80% of children aged 13 to 17 admitted to gambling at least once in the past year.

This isn't YouTube's first move to curb gambling-related content. In 2021, the platform banned gaming ads from its premium Masthead ad slot. However, that policy change didn't significantly impact the growth of online gambling vloggers benefiting from sponsorships and affiliate programs.

As part of its ongoing efforts to improve user safety, Google announced last month that it was testing a new AI model to estimate viewer ages more accurately. This development aligns with YouTube's latest policy changes, potentially enhancing the platform's ability to enforce age restrictions on gambling content.

These new regulations represent a significant shift in YouTube's approach to online gambling content, balancing the popularity of such videos with the need to protect younger viewers from potential gambling-related harms.