• by Colin Kirkland , March 5, 2025

“Under our existing policies relating to illegal or regulated goods or services, we don't allow any method of directing viewers to gambling sites or applications that are not certified by Google,” the company wrote in a recent blog post.

This now includes URLs -- “links embedded in images or text, visual displays (inc. logos) or verbal references.”

According to Google, its popular video-sharing platform may also remove content promising guaranteed returns regardless of whether the online gambling site or application has been officially approved.

Age restrictions may also affect how users see content that “does not violate our Community Guidelines but still features depictions or promotions of online casino sites or apps,” the company says.

“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 states.

However, while YouTube says all online gambling content will be restricted to signed-out users or users under 18, the company notably excuses online sports betting -- a major contributor to gambling addiction in younger people -- and depictions of in-person gambling.

Still, as some U.S. states now have the ability to legalize gambling, the update may prove to be a somewhat meaningful step in limiting gambling exposure to users.