YouTube tightens rules on gambling content, enforces age limits, and bans unapproved sites

YouTube will soon enforce new rules on gambling content, prohibiting creators from mentioning or linking to unapproved online gambling services starting March 19. The updated guidelines require that any authorized gambling services comply with local laws and be certified by Google Ads or reviewed by YouTube. Even content from approved services may be removed if it promises guaranteed returns.

Additionally, YouTube will implement age restrictions preventing users under 18 and those who aren’t logged in from accessing online gambling content while using AI to estimate users' ages and enforce these measures more effectively. However, online sports betting and footage of in-person gambling will not face these restrictions.

These changes could significantly affect creators who focus on online casino games and gambling apps. YouTube justifies the policy updates as necessary for protecting the community, especially younger audiences, and aligns with similar actions taken by platforms like Twitch, which restricted gambling promotions in 2022.