YouTube is cracking down on online gambling videos in an effort to curb their growing proliferation on its platform.
The Google-owned video platform announced on March 4 that it is strengthening its existing policies related to online gambling content from March 19, 2025.
Under the new changes, videos can no longer include URLs, links embedded in images or text, visual displays including logos or verbal references to gambling websites or applications that are not certified by Google Ads or reviewed by YouTube. The platform currently allows links only to those sites or applications that comply with local legal requirements.
That said, content that promises guaranteed returns would be removed irrespective of whether the online gambling site or application has been approved by Google or not, the company noted.
This change builds on YouTube's existing policy on illegal or regulated goods and services that prohibits any method of directing viewers to uncertified gambling sites or applications.
Additionally, YouTube noted that online gambling content that depicts or promotes online casino sites or apps and does not violate its community guidelines will be age-restricted. This essentially means that users who are not logged into the platform or those who are under the age of 18 will not be able to view such content.
"We know this update may impact creators who focus on online gambling content like casino games and applications, but we believe these changes are a necessary step in protecting our community, especially younger viewers" YouTube stated.
These measures come as online betting and gambling apps continue to aggressively advertise on YouTube and other social media platforms in India and across other countries.
In India, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued multiple advisories in recent years, warning a range of stakeholders including social media platforms, online advertising intermediaries, and social media influencers against promoting these betting and gambling platforms.
The Central Consumer Protection Authority, the country's top consumer watchdog, also issued an advisory in March 2024, warning against endorsing betting and gambling activities.
It also cautioned that stringent action would be taken against manufacturers, advertisers, publishers, intermediaries, social media platforms, endorsers, and any other relevant stakeholders for any violation as per the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
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