YouTube has announced a significant tightening of its policies on gambling-related content, set to take effect on March 19. The new guidelines will restrict links to unapproved gambling sites, enforce age restrictions on gambling-related content, and remove videos that promise guaranteed returns—regardless of the legitimacy of the gambling platform.

This move comes as online gambling and sports betting continue to surge, with the U.S. legal betting market surpassing $475 billion in total wagers since its expansion in 2018. In 2024 alone, over $150 billion was wagered, primarily through online and mobile betting platforms, reflecting a 23% increase from the previous year.

YouTube's stricter approach could have far-reaching implications for gambling influencers, content creators, and the broader gaming industry.

Tightening the Rules: What’s Changing?

YouTube has historically restricted gambling-related content, but the new policy goes further by explicitly prohibiting all forms of linking to unapproved gambling platforms.

Key Changes in YouTube’s Gambling Policy:
Stronger Restrictions on External Links:

YouTube will ban URLs, embedded links, logos, and verbal references that direct users to gambling platforms not approved by Google.
Content creators must ensure their links comply with Google’s certification criteria, or risk content removal or demonetization.
Crackdown on Misleading Gambling Content:

Videos promoting "guaranteed returns" from gambling will be removed, even if they reference legally approved platforms.
This targets betting strategies, online casino tactics, and misleading claims that create unrealistic expectations.
Age Restrictions on Casino Content:

Online casino content and depictions of in-person gambling will be restricted to users aged 18 and above.
These videos will not be accessible to signed-out users, further limiting exposure to minors.
According to Preston, a host on YouTube’s "Creator Insider" channel, these changes will align the platform’s policies with Google’s existing gambling advertising standards.

Why YouTube is Tightening Gambling Regulations

1. Rising Online Gambling Activity
The past decade has seen unprecedented growth in legal online gambling, particularly in the United States.

Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned PASPA in 2018, sports betting has expanded rapidly on a state-by-state basis.
In 2024 alone, $150 billion was wagered legally, a 23% increase from the previous year.
With billions of dollars at stake, YouTube faces increasing pressure to regulate how gambling-related content reaches users, particularly minors.

2. Concerns Over Gambling Addiction & Fraud
Regulators worldwide have raised concerns about the influence of online gambling promotions, especially content that:

Targets vulnerable users, including minors and problem gamblers.
Promotes fraudulent or unlicensed betting platforms.
Misleads viewers with unrealistic expectations about winnings.
By limiting direct access to gambling sites and removing misleading content, YouTube aims to reduce the risks associated with gambling promotions.

3. Legal & Regulatory Compliance
Many governments, including those in the U.S., the U.K., and Australia, have tightened their gambling laws in recent years.

YouTube must comply with regional gambling laws to avoid legal consequences.
Restricting gambling-related content ensures the platform remains in compliance with these evolving regulations.
By enforcing these new rules, YouTube is aligning itself with global regulatory trends while maintaining its advertising relationships.

Impact on Content Creators and Gambling Channels

These policy changes will significantly impact gambling content creators, particularly those who:

Promote online casinos or betting platforms
Offer betting strategies or “sure-win” gambling tactics
Monetize gambling-related content through affiliate links
Who Will Be Affected?
YouTube gambling influencers who rely on affiliate links for revenue.
Educational betting channels that teach viewers about odds, strategies, and gambling techniques.
Online casinos and sportsbooks using YouTube as a marketing channel.
Many creators will need to adjust their content strategies, ensuring their videos comply with Google’s gambling certification requirements to avoid penalties or demonetization.

What This Means for the Future of Gambling Content on YouTube

1. Increased Scrutiny on Gambling-Related Videos
Expect tighter enforcement of gambling policies, with more videos demonetized or removed for violations.

2. Shift Towards Regulated Gambling Platforms
Creators promoting gambling must partner with Google-approved operators or risk having their content flagged.

3. Growth of Alternative Platforms
With YouTube tightening restrictions, gambling content creators may migrate to platforms with fewer regulations, such as Twitch, Rumble, or Kick.