YouTube crackdown on unregulated, illegal gambling sites
Published:
Mar 18, 2025
,
10:59 a.m.
ET
Key Points
YouTube will restrict content promoting unregulated and illegal online gambling platforms starting March 19, 2025.
Creators cannot include links, logos, or verbal mentions directing users to unapproved gambling sites. Online casino content will also be age-restricted.
YouTube also now explicitly prohibits content promising guaranteed gambling profits, strengthening its stance against misleading marketing.
Gambling-focused YouTubers risk demonetization or channel termination, advertisers must comply with stricter rules, and underage users will have limited access to gambling content.
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It’s no secret that YouTube videos “teaching” viewers how to make money on online sports and prediction markets have flooded the platform and grown in popularity since states were given authority to legalize gambling in May of 2018. But with regulations varying by location and experts relaying their concerns that millions of Americans may be at risk for gambling addiction, state legislators and platforms like YouTube have taken action in response.
Back in 2021, YouTube took a stance against gambling ads for its masthead ad slot. It resulted in an outright ban, and yet, the flood of gambling content from creators did not slow.
Now, in a significant policy shift to protect its user community, YouTube is rolling out new restrictions targeting content that promotes unregulated and illegal online gambling platforms. Effective March 19, these updated policies aim to curb the proliferation of unauthorized gambling content and safeguard viewers, especially minors, from potential harm.
As online gambling surges in popularity, concerns over unauthorized betting platforms and misleading promotions have prompted the platform to take decisive action. These changes are set to impact creators, advertisers, and viewers alike, as YouTube aims to foster a safer and more responsible online environment.
What is the new YouTube policy for promoting gambling platforms?
YouTube’s updated policy imposes strict limitations on content promoting unapproved gambling platforms. Under these new rules, creators are prohibited from directing viewers to unapproved gambling sites through:
Clickable links in video descriptions, pinned comments or within the content itself.
Logos, images or text referencing these platforms.
Verbal mentions pointing viewers to visit illegal or unapproved gambling sites.
YouTube defines unapproved gambling sites as those that either fail to meet legal requirements in their respective jurisdictions or have not been reviewed and explicitly permitted by YouTube or its parent company, Google.
Additionally, content featuring online casinos will now face age restrictions, meaning users under 18 – or those not logged into their accounts – will not be able to access such videos. However, sports betting content and in-person gambling discussions remain permissible under the updated guidelines.
Ban of misleading language around “guaranteed returns”
A key component of YouTube’s policy update is its outright ban on content promising “guaranteed returns” from gambling. Regardless of whether a gambling site is approved by Google, creators will no longer be allowed to claim that users can consistently win or make a profit through gambling. In a world where touts often claim that a pick is a “lock,” “guarantee” or “can’t-lose” play, this is a positive move that aims to curb deceptive marketing tactics that lure viewers into false expectations of financial gain. The hope is that YouTube can foster a more transparent and trustworthy environment on the platform.
The key with this update is that YouTube used to prohibit “sensational language” promising guaranteed winnings. Now, YouTube explicitly states content promising guaranteed winnings will be removed.
“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 said in the announcement.
Is Google, which owns YouTube, also cracking down on unregulated gambling?
Yes, YouTube’s new stance aligns with broader efforts by Google to regulate gambling-related content across its platforms. In February of 2025, in an effort to protect its younger users, Google announced that it would start testing a machine learning model to estimate user ages more accurately, allowing platforms like YouTube to better tailor content to appropriate audiences. Google has also recently revised its advertising policies to impose:
Stricter definitions of acceptable gambling-related ads.
Country-specific restrictions for gambling promotions.
Expanded compliance requirements for advertisers, ensuring they adhere to local regulations.
This synchronized crackdown demonstrates Google’s commitment to enforcing responsible gambling advertising and preventing unregulated platforms from exploiting users.
However, results on Google around searches for sportsbooks in states without legal, regulated sports betting still feature sites that offer and/or promote offshore, unregulated gaming platforms.
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What led to this crackdown?
Several factors have driven YouTube and Google to take action against unregulated gambling content.
The first is the increased accessibility of online gambling. The rise of digital betting platforms has made gambling more accessible, raising concerns over potential addiction and financial harm.
The second factor is protection of minors. Unregulated gambling content poses significant risks to underage users who may be enticed by misleading promotions and easy access to betting platforms.
Then, there’s regulatory pressure. Governments and advocacy groups have been pushing for tighter regulations on online gambling advertising to prevent deceptive marketing and safeguard consumers.
Finally, there’s growing incidents of gambling-related scams. The spread of offshore and unregulated social casino gambling sites has led to financial losses for users, prompting YouTube to implement stricter policies.
Who will be most impacted by new YouTube gambling rules?
The new policy will have significant repercussions for some groups within the YouTube ecosystem. First off, there’s content creators. YouTubers who focus on online gambling promotions will need to revise their strategies to comply with the new guidelines. Historically, unregulated sites would pay handsomely for referrals to their platforms, often at higher rates than regulated operators pay. Now, creators won’t be able to push viewers to those sites and reap the rewards of doing so. Those who continue promoting unapproved gambling platforms risk demonetization, video removal or even channel termination.
Second, there’s gambling advertisers. Companies seeking to advertise gambling services on YouTube must ensure their platforms are legally compliant and approved by Google.
Last, but not least, there’s the viewers. Underage users (under 18) and those not signed into their accounts will find it harder to access gambling-related content, particularly online casino promotions. This is of course a positive result from the commitment of YouTube and Google to protect younger audiences.
Gambling addiction treatment and support in the U.S.
By implementing these stricter policies, YouTube and Google are taking a strong stance against unregulated gambling. These measures reflect their broader commitment to fostering a safer and more responsible online environment for creators, advertisers and viewers alike.
Gambling addiction is a serious, growing concern in the United States that can lead to financial hardship, strained relationships and severe mental health challenges. Recognizing the potential dangers associated with gambling is one step, but it's also crucial to be aware of the resources available for those seeking help:
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, Birches Health can provide specialized support and virtual treatment options tailored to individual needs. Connect with a care coordinator today to discuss personalized treatment plans and see if your care can be covered by insurance or state funding.
Birches Health offers the following ways to get started:
Call 833-483-3838
Email help@bircheshealth.com
