YouTube Enforces Tighter Restrictions On Gambling Content

YouTube has enforced tighter restrictions on gambling content, banning the promotion of illegal gambling sites and imposing stricter guidelines for creators. Since 19 March 2025, it has been forbidden to mention or promote unlicensed gambling sites or gambling sites not approved by Google in videos. Additionally, videos promoting online gambling are now subject to age restrictions.

YouTube’s policy changes follow the rapid growth of online gambling, particularly the surge in sports betting in the United States since its legalization in 2018. This increase has been accompanied by a significant rise in gambling addiction cases. For instance, New Jersey reported a 277% increase in helpline outreach since legalizing sports betting in 2018. The new measures aim to protect viewers from illegal online casinos and misleading content.

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Rise On Gambling Additions Across The US

The push for these new measures has been driven by the evolving gambling landscape in the U.S. Since 2018, U.S. states have been allowed to set their own policies on online gambling. Before that, online gambling had been federally banned since April 11, 2011, covering poker sites, bookmakers, and casinos. Currently, 38 states, along with Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C., have legalised online gambling, with a main focus on sports betting.

In 2024, the American Gaming Association reported a 23.6% increase in sports betting compared to the previous year. According to the organisation, over $147.9 billion was wagered on sporting events.

The widespread legalisation of online gambling has also led to a rise in gambling addiction across the U.S. In May 2024, the National Council on Problem Gambling estimated that 2.5 million adults in the U.S. suffer from severe gambling addiction, whilst another four to six million experience mild to moderate gambling problems.

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Key Changes At A Glance:

The most important measures to enhance user protection and prevent misleading promotions include:

• Ban on references to unapproved gambling sites: Links, logos, images, and verbal promotions of such sites are no longer allowed.
• Age restrictions on gambling content: Videos promoting online gambling can no longer be viewed by users under 18 or those not logged in.
• Stricter enforcement on misleading content: Videos promising guaranteed wins, even for legal gambling sites, may be removed from the platform.

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Enforcement of Gambling Content Rules

According to the platform, one of the biggest challenges remains enforcing these new rules. To do this effectively, the platform says that it will rely on Artificial Intelligence and other automated tools to proactively monitor gambling-related content. YouTube has already taken steps in this area, such as restricting gambling ads and removing misleading content about gambling. With these new policies, YouTube aims to create a safer online environment and prevent users from being misled by illegal gambling services.

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