YouTube Tightens Rules on Gambling Content

Key Takeaways
As of March 19, 2025, new guidelines for online gambling content apply on YouTube. Videos related to online casinos, virtual slot machines, or their analysis are now subject to stricter rules. The goal is to better protect minors. Content related to land-based gambling remains unaffected by these changes.
What’s Changing for Gambling Content on YouTube
YouTube has tightened its policies on gambling content. From now on, vloggers are not allowed to promote online casino platforms or gambling apps unless they have been explicitly approved by YouTube or Google. This includes spoken endorsements as well as links, logos, or embedded graphics in the video.
In addition, an age restriction has been introduced: content related to online gambling is now only visible to users aged 18 and over. Those who are not logged in—and therefore have not completed age verification—can no longer view these videos.
Why YouTube Is Taking These Measures
According to YouTube, the new rules are intended to help protect young viewers from the risks of online gambling. The company is responding to the growing prevalence of gambling content, particularly from influencers and streamers who earn revenue through affiliate links.
A study by the National Institute of Health shows that 60 to 80 percent of teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17 participated in gambling at least once in the past year. These figures highlight the need for protective measures on high-reach platforms like YouTube.
What Is Still Allowed
Interestingly, the age restriction applies exclusively to content related to online casinos. Vlogs that show gambling in real-life casinos—such as slot machines or table games—are still permitted and not age-restricted. The reason: minors do not have access to land-based casinos anyway.
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Videos about online sports betting are also excluded from the new guidelines. Apparently, YouTube considers this to pose a lower risk to youth or views the topic as more socially acceptable.
Additional Measures Against Gambling Advertising
Back in 2021, YouTube banned gambling ads from its so-called “Masthead”—a prominent advertising space on the homepage. Nevertheless, the number of gambling influencers continued to grow. Many of them earn money through sponsorships and affiliate programs by referring users to online casinos.
At the same time, Google is currently testing a new AI model designed to more accurately estimate viewers’ ages. This could make age verification even more effective in the future.
Our Assessment
The new YouTube guidelines are a logical step given the growing popularity of gambling content and the associated risks for minors. For content creators, this means restrictions, especially if they rely on income from affiliate links. For you as a viewer or player, it’s important to know that platforms like YouTube are increasingly taking responsibility—even if that means certain content becomes harder to access.
If you’re interested in online casinos, make sure to use reputable sources and inform yourself thoroughly—ideally through platforms that specialize in this topic and are transparent with their content.