YouTube Is About To Upset People Who Make Gambling Content

We all know about Twitch’s war on gambling content. Because of this, we’re sure that many of the people making that content migrated over to YouTube. However, after this latest announcement, it looks like the Google-owned video-sharing site is no longer an oasis. YouTube is tightening its policy on online gambling content.

As you know, YouTube and Twitch have policies against certain kinds of gambling content. This is to protect people from getting scammed out of their money. While this is true, there are exceptions, at least as far as YouTube is concerned. The company has a white list of sites that it approves. Even then, these new policies also mention these allowed sites. It could mean that some creators will need to look elsewhere.

YouTube is tightening its policy on gambling content

In a short and sweet YouTube support page post, the company laid out the new changes. These changes are to the company’s illegal or regulated goods or services policy. It’s the policy that forbids you from promoting or selling things like drugs, alcohol, organs, explosives, nicotine/vaping products, sex or escort service, ETC. Basically, don’t run your illegal black market services on YouTube. The policy does include gambling sites not approved by Google.

YouTube added to the policy, and it now forbids creators from posting links to blacklisted sites (either through image or text), showing visuals of the sites (including logos), or even talking about blacklisted sites. If you do, then your channel could face consequences.

If the site is approved by Google, you’ll still have some limitations to work within. You’ll be able to promote the site, but you won’t be able to guarantee returns. So, you most likely can’t say something like “Just play, and you’ll get money, no matter what.” If you do, then you’ll risk having your content taken down.

Even if you work within the rules, you might see a drop in viewers. Content that doesn’t violate YouTube’s policy but still promotes gambling sites may be age restricted. This means that, if YouTube knows you’re under 18 years old, you won’t be able to watch it. Also, you won’t be able to watch it while you’re signed out.

People who make content on sports betting or in-person gambling won’t fall under the rules. So, that’s a good thing for people in that category.