Starting from March 19, 2025, YouTube will tighten regulations on gambling content, prohibiting creators from verbally mentioning unapproved gambling services, displaying their logos, or adding related links. Additionally, all gambling-related content will be age-restricted, making it inaccessible to minors.
Core Content of the New Policy
YouTube stipulates that creators must not:
- Verbally promote unauthorized gambling platforms
- Display logos of unapproved gambling sites in videos or thumbnails
- Add links to gambling websites not reviewed by Google or YouTube
These policies aim to reduce user exposure to potentially harmful gambling promotions, and content that violates these rules may be removed, with channels facing penalties.
Prohibited Gambling Content
YouTube prohibits the promotion of unapproved gambling sites and linking to gambling platforms that do not comply with local regulations. Moreover, even if some gambling services are approved, content promising "sure wins" or "guaranteed recovery of losses" will still be removed.
Adjustments to Age Restrictions
Videos related to gambling will have increased age restrictions, making them inaccessible to users under 18, who must be logged in to view such content. Notably, content displaying online sports betting and live gambling events is still permitted.
YouTube spokesperson Boot Bullwinkle stated that the company is strengthening policies to prohibit directing users to unapproved gambling sites and implementing age restrictions on content promoting online casinos.
History of YouTube's Control Over Casino Content
This is not the first time YouTube has adjusted its gambling-related policies. In 2021, the platform already banned gambling advertisements from its homepage. In 2022, Twitch also restricted live streams of certain gambling sites. Additionally, Google is developing AI technology to enhance content age verification.
Industry Response
An RMG (Real Money Gaming) industry insider revealed that the surge in illegal gambling content live streams in India, and YouTube's adjustments will severely impact the business expansion of overseas gambling sites in India. He emphasized that YouTube should completely remove existing gambling content and warn influencers to avoid promoting gambling, or they will face traffic limitations or financial penalties.
Expert Opinions and Law Enforcement Actions
Gambling policy experts noted that many illegal gambling companies pay mid-tier influencers fees ranging from $4,000 to $10,000 to promote gambling sites. Experts suggest that in addition to increasing enforcement, YouTube should also enhance community outreach to raise user awareness of the risks associated with illegal gambling.
Recently, law enforcement in India has taken action, such as the Visakhapatnam police arresting YouTuber Vasupalli Nani for live streaming promotions of gambling apps, and the Kerala state police investigating similar promotional activities.
