YouTube Cracking Down on Links to Unregulated Gambling Sites

YouTube issued an update to its policies on online gambling content on Tuesday, announcing that it would no longer allow any content that directs users to gambling websites or apps that aren’t explicitly certified by Google. 

The new policy, which will become effective on March 19, includes any reference to unauthorized gambling sites included via URLs, embedded links, logos and other visual displays, and even verbal references. 

Sports Betting, In-Person Gambling Unaffected by Changes

The new rules strengthen existing policies that already prohibited methods of directing viewers to unauthorized gambling operators. Those rules also prohibit creators from promising “guaranteed returns” on any gambling content. 

Generally speaking, Google and YouTube only allow links to online gambling sites that “meet local legal requirements.” 

In addition, Google says that more content related to online casinos will be age-restricted, meaning those under 18 or who are not logged into their accounts won’t be able to access this content. This rule will not impact in-person gambling depictions or online sports betting, at least under the announced rules.

“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,” said the announcement, posted by Rob of Team YouTube. “YouTube is committed to supporting creators while ensuring a safe and responsible platform for everyone.”

Some YouTube creators who spoke with Casinos.com say the update is a good step at removing bad actors from the gaming-related content space.

“We have always followed the rules and so this will have zero impact on us,” slots vlogger and Bet MGM ambassador Brian Christopher says. “I am quite happy with Google’s changes that will help protect our viewers from falling prey to these scams.”

Poker vlogger Andrew Neeme says login requirements to weed out underage visitors are welcome. He points to YouTube analytics that show less than 0.2% of his current audience is younger than 18. 

"There are so many vehicles to gamble online nowadays, from casinos and sports betting to trading markets and prediction markets to sweepstakes sites and meme coins," Neeme says. "And if you want to direct people to these sites but also have YouTube provide advertisers for your [gambling-related] content, then it's not surprising that they want to solidify a framework that also protects them according to regulations."

YouTube, Twitch Attempt to Control Gambling Content

The change is the latest in a series of moves by major streaming and video platforms to limit gambling content in recent years. Twitch, owned by Amazon, began restricting gambling streams in 2022. Meanwhile, YouTube has not allowed gambling, alcohol, or political ads in its front-page masthead since 2021.

YouTube has also taken steps to moderate its content beyond the gambling sphere. Videos will false information about issues like vaccines and those that promote dangerous behaviors, such as eating disorders, have been targeted by the site’s moderation team in recent years. 

The new rules are unlikely to stop the proliferation of popular gambling channels on YouTube, especially for those that work with regulated sites or in-person gambling content. 

For instance, there are countless channels in which individuals show themselves playing slot machines at casinos, some of which have hundreds of thousands of followers. These creators sometimes even offer livestreams of their casino play, such as when Scott Richter – who streams on his channel, The Big Jackpot – won a $1.08 million jackpot on Aristocrat’s Golden Link slot machine while playing at the high-limit gaming lounge at The Palazzo Hotel in Las Vegas.

Neeme says he's seen these sorts of algorithm updates before.

“YouTube is an incredible distribution platform,” he says. “But you have to play by their rules. It’s a reasonable tradeoff, but it also means they get to change the rules whenever they feel it’s in their best interest.”