YouTube Enhances Rules on Betting and Casino Content

Newly announced policies by YouTube are going to crack down on gambling and related content, specifically targeting the promotion of “unapproved” gambling websites. While details regarding the new policies emerged Tuesday this week, their implementation is expected to be completed in mid-March.

YouTube Overhauls Gambling-Related Policies

Since 2018, when the US Supreme Court struck down PASPA, legal sports betting expanded across the country. With close to 40 states offering legal wagering, a majority of 33 offer legal online betting. In contrast, legal online casino gambling is available in less than 10 states, while the popularity of event contracts, or betting on real-world events, is also constantly growing.

Considering the expansion of gambling across the country, lawmakers see the need for robust regulations to ensure the protection of the consumers. At the same time, platforms such as YouTube are also focusing on restricting certain types of content as a way to protect Americans from at-risk or problem gambling.

As announced by CNN, new policies enforced by YouTube will prohibit content that directs users to “unapproved” gambling websites or apps. Such content, regardless of whether it offers verbal encouragement, text, images, links or logos, won’t be permitted on the platform, per the new rules.

The new policies come in addition to previously prohibited content, which promoted guaranteed winnings from casinos or betting. Not unexpectedly, YouTube doesn’t permit the use of “sensational language” that encourages individuals that they can win money from gambling. In its new update, content that includes language that promotes “guaranteed returns,” even in the cases of “approved” gambling websites, won’t be permitted.

The Update Includes Age Restrictions

Notably, the update will help prevent underage users and those who have not verified their age, from viewing content that promotes casino or betting websites. YouTube registered users who are not 18 years old, as well as users who have not logged into their profile, won’t be permitted to view content that may be promoting betting or casino websites, under the new update.

The aforementioned updated policy is expected to be implemented as of March 19, 2025.

Boot Bullwinkle, a spokesperson for YouTube, said about the latest update: “We’ve strengthened our policies that prohibit content directing viewers to unapproved gambling websites or applications.” Finally, the spokesperson explained: “We will also begin age-restricting content that promotes online casinos.”

One of the main challenges for social media platforms such as YouTube is the enforcement of its policies. While some violations can be easily spotted and content is taken down right away, or penalized, per the policies, in other cases, extensive review is required.

Usually, social media platforms leverage AI and other automated tools that help with proactive monitoring of the content users release. This allows them to quickly discover potential breaches of the rules and enforce relevant sanctions.