YouTube Cracks Down on Gambling Content Linking To Unapproved Websites
In a significant policy update, YouTube is tightening its regulations on online gambling content, reflecting growing concerns over the surge in sports betting and prediction markets in the United States. This latest move underscores the platform’s commitment to combating potentially harmful or illegal gambling activities that have proliferated alongside the expansion of online betting (eg. unregulated casinos & poker sites).
YouTube has announced that it will now prohibit content that directs users to “unapproved” gambling websites through hyperlinks, images, text, logos, or verbal mentions. According to the platform, unapproved sites include those that fail to comply with local legal regulations and have not been vetted by YouTube or its parent company, Google.
This update expands upon YouTube’s existing prohibition of links to external sites that violate its policies, including unauthorized gambling platforms. The company also revealed that it will begin age-restricting content that promotes online casinos, making it inaccessible to users under 18 and those who are not logged into the platform.
“YouTube has strengthened its policies to prevent content from directing viewers to unapproved gambling websites or applications,” YouTube spokesperson Boot Bullwinkle stated. “Additionally, content promoting online casinos will now be age-restricted.”
