YouTube is introducing stricter regulations on gambling-related content, with new policies set to take effect on March 19.
The platform will prohibit creators from verbally mentioning unapproved gambling services, displaying their logos, or linking to them in videos.
Additionally, YouTube may impose age restrictions on gambling-related content, preventing users under 18 or those not signed into the platform from accessing such videos. However, the company clarified that the policy does not apply to videos featuring online sports betting or in-person gambling.
YouTube also announced that it may remove content that promises “guaranteed returns,” regardless of whether the gambling service is Google-approved. “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,” the company stated.
The move follows YouTube’s previous decision to ban gambling ads from its masthead slot in 2021. Other platforms have taken similar steps, with Twitch restricting gambling streams featuring slots, roulette, and dice games in 2022.
In a related effort, Google recently announced plans to test a machine learning model that estimates users’ ages to ensure more age-appropriate experiences across its platforms.
