YouTube Cracks Down on Gambling Videos Promoting Unregulated Sites, Will Age Restrict Online Casinos

YouTube is cracking down on content related to gambling as it looks to stifle unregulated sports betting and online casinos sites.  YouTube refers to these as "unapproved" and the new policy goes into affect (being enforced) on March 19, 2025 with the updated language being implemented on Tuesday March 4.

Forbidden will be links, images, text, logos or verbal references. YouTube defines unapproved gambling sites as those that don’t meet local legal requirements and haven’t been reviewed by YouTube or parent company Google.

The update builds on YouTube’s existing policy prohibiting linking to external sites that violate its rules, including unapproved gambling sites.

“We’ve strengthened our policies that prohibit content directing viewers to unapproved gambling websites or applications,” YouTube spokesperson Boot Bullwinkle told CNN exclusively ahead of the Tuesday announcement. “We will also begin age-restricting content that promotes online casinos.”

Those under the age of 18 will no longer be able to view videos on YouTube that promote online casinos.

YouTube videos that promise to teach viewers how to make money on online sports and prediction markets have been viewed hundreds of thousands of times.

But regulations around online betting can vary by location, and experts have raised alarms that millions of Americans may be at risk of a “severe gambling problem.”

YouTube says it has long restricted - or attempted to restrict - content that includes "sensationalized language" that promises guaranteed returns but the new policy will now result in removal, even as it pertains to "approved" sites.