YouTube to ban content directing viewers to unregulated gambling sites
Update comes into effect from 19 March as video-sharing platform also places age restrictions on online gambling content
YouTube has updated its online gambling content policies to now include the banning of URLs and logos promoting or showing unregulated gambling sites.
The platform said the strengthening of its online gambling content policies is part of a process to better protect younger viewers, with the changes coming into effect from 19 March.
Per new guidelines, URLS, embedded links in images and texts, as well as visual displays and verbal references have been added to the ban list for directing customers to external sites.
YouTube defines unapproved gambling sites as those that aren’t locally licensed and/or haven’t been review by YouTube or Google.
Content promising guaranteed wins could also be removed “regardless of whether the online gambling site or application has been approved by Google”.
As well as the clamp down on unlicensed gambling sites, YouTube will also be placing age restrictions on online casino content.
Going forward, users under the age of 18 or those not logged to the site will be unable to view “depictions or promotions” of online casino sites or apps, regardless of whether the platform is approved by YouTube or not.
Videos showing online sports betting and “depictions of in-person gambling” will be excluded from age restrictions.
Announcing the upcoming changes, YouTube said: “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.
“YouTube is committed to supporting creators while ensuring a safe and responsible platform for everyone.”
Speaking to CNN, a YouTube spokesperson, Boot Bullwinkle, added: “We’ve strengthened our policies that prohibit content directing viewers to unapproved gambling websites or applications. We will also begin age-restricting content that promotes online casinos.”
Last May, streaming platform Twitch made a similar move when it automatically blocked gambling content for logged-out users.
It followed on from the banning of “unsafe” gambling sites streaming on the platform in October 2022 which led to an exodus of streamers moving over to streaming website Kick.