As part of “ongoing efforts to protect viewers from potentially harmful content,” Google-owned YouTube announced a stricter set of guidelines for creators of gambling content.
The new rules will roll out on March 19, according to an announcement on the YouTube Help center. Currently, the video-sharing platform allows linking to sites that comply with local regulations of the viewer.
What’s changing?
- “URLs, links in embedded in images or text, visual displays, including logos or verbal references” will be prevented from directing viewers to gambling sites or applications that are not certified by Google.
- All content – regardless of if it violates YouTube community guidelines – that “features depictions or promotions” of online casino apps or sites may be viewable only to users whose age has been verified as 18 or older.
- Online sports betting and “depictions of in-person gambling” will be exempted.
- Content promising “guaranteed returns” will be subject to removal even if they link to a Google-approved site.
From Rob, Team YouTube, the post author: “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.”
There will plenty of sites for YouTube to reconsider. A quick search for terms such as “online slots” or “win money gambling” revealed page after page of results linking to third-party gambling sites around the world. None displayed a Google Guarantee badge if they had attained the site’s legitimacy seal.
Since July, Google has twice tweaked its content rules to allow more leeway to gambling and gambling-adjacent advertisers. On Dec. 4, the company allowed social casino platforms to expand their targeted advertising abilities, but sweepstakes casinos remain restricted.
On July 15, the company began accepting daily fantasy sports advertising in Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.