【Willbet Slots casino】-YouTube tightens restrictions on gambling content from 19 March

Under existing rules, YouTube does not allow content which directs viewers to gambling sites or applications not certified by Google.

Under the new rules, announced on Tuesday and expected to come into effect on 19 March, prohibited methods of directing viewers to unapproved sites will include via links, whether embedded in images or text, the use of visual displays including brand logos, and verbal references. 

According to YouTube, unapproved gambling sites are those that do not comply with local legal requirements or have not undergone review by YouTube or its parent company, Google.

The update reflects an expansion of YouTube’s existing restrictions, which already prohibit external links to sites that violate platform guidelines, including certain gambling-related content. 

Google also recently introduced stricter controls on gambling-related content.

Beyond blocking direct links to these sites, YouTube is also introducing stricter age restrictions on gambling content.

Under the revised policy, users under 18 or those who are not logged into an account will be unable to view content promoting or displaying online betting platforms.

This change comes as concerns grow regarding the accessibility of gambling and gambling-related content to minors.

The rapid expansion of online sports betting in the US and elsewhere has led to a surge in gambling-related content on YouTube.

Many videos offering strategies on how to profit from sports betting and prediction markets have gained massive traction, accumulating hundreds of thousands of views.

This rising public interest in online betting has also sparked warnings from experts, who caution that millions of Americans could be at risk of developing gambling-related issues. 

Additionally, YouTube’s updated policy targets misleading content that falsely promises guaranteed profits or loss recovery from online betting. This move aims to prevent deceptive marketing tactics that encourage irresponsible gambling behaviour.

Responding to responsible gambling demands

YouTube has long prohibited content that employs sensational language to lure users into gambling with unrealistic claims. Now, even videos promoting “guaranteed winnings” from approved gambling sites will be removed.

The latest policy shift is part of YouTube’s broader approach to content moderation.

In recent years, the platform has taken a targeted stance on various controversial topics, for example by removing videos containing misinformation about vaccines and abortion, and restricting content that promotes eating disorder-related behaviours.

In 2023, YouTube also introduced disclosure requirements for AI-generated content that could mislead viewers.

While these measures reflect a commitment to curbing harmful or deceptive content, enforcement remains a persistent challenge. Tech companies, including YouTube, have repeatedly faced criticism for failing to consistently uphold their policies.

Social media content receives global attention

The tightening of regulations around gambling content on streaming and social media platforms is not limited to YouTube or the US, where some states are developing their own social media content rules.

Various countries have introduced their own restrictions in response to growing concerns surrounding online gambling promotion.

In Italy, where YouTube has paid massive fines for not controlling gambling content, regulators have taken an aggressive stance against gambling advertisements.

The country implemented the Dignity Decree in 2018, which banned all forms of gambling advertising on television, radio and the internet, including social media.

The Italian government aimed to curb problem gambling and reduce its influence, particularly on younger audiences.

Despite this, some streamers and content creators have attempted to circumvent the rules by promoting offshore gambling sites, prompting further regulatory crackdowns.

Colombia has also taken action. The country’s gambling regulator, Coljuegos, has actively worked to block unauthorised gambling websites and has fined operators that fail to comply with its regulations.

In France, authorities have implemented stringent advertising regulations to limit the influence of gambling promotions on social media.

The French gambling regulator, ANJ, has specifically warned influencers and content creators about promoting illegal gambling sites.

French regulators have also scrutinised collaborations between gambling companies and influencers, highlighting concerns over deceptive marketing tactics.

Germany has adopted one of the strictest approaches in Europe. Under the State Treaty on Gambling 2021, gambling advertisements face heavy restrictions, including limitations on when and where they can appear.

The German regulatory body, GGL, has also cracked down on unauthorised gambling streams, targeting Twitch and YouTube content that promotes illegal operators.

German authorities have warned that platforms failing to prevent gambling content violations could face significant fines.