Introduction to New YouTube Policy

In the aftermath of the 2018 Supreme Court decision that allowed US states to legalize gambling, there has been a surge in related content. This content can be seen in various forms, including odds tickers during sports broadcasts, advertisements for betting sites featuring famous athletes and celebrities, and YouTube videos that promise guaranteed wins if a specific gambling service is used. While the first two types of content are likely to continue, the latter may become less common due to recent changes announced by Google.

Details of the Policy Change

YouTube has announced that it will prohibit content that directs viewers to unapproved gambling sites or apps. This includes URLs, embedded links, logos, or spoken references to such sites. The company defines authorized services as those that comply with local legal requirements and are either certified by Google Ads or reviewed by YouTube. However, even if a site or app meets these requirements, its content could still be removed if it promises guaranteed returns, as such promises are inherently misleading.

Age Restrictions and Exceptions

Content that meets YouTube’s requirements may still be age-gated for users under 18. However, there are significant exceptions to this rule, including online sports betting, which will not be subject to age restrictions. Additionally, the depiction of in-person gambling will also be exempt, which could potentially allow for a wide range of content, including scenes from movies, TV shows, music videos, and news reports, to remain available without restrictions.

Implementation and Impact

The changes to YouTube’s policy will take effect on March 19. A spokesperson for the company emphasized the strengthening of policies to prohibit content that directs viewers to unapproved gambling websites or applications and the introduction of age restrictions for content promoting online casinos. This move follows a similar decision by Twitch in 2022 to ban streams featuring certain types of gambling content, which led to a significant reduction in views for betting-related streams.

Broader Implications

While YouTube’s changes may reduce the visibility of some gambling content, they are unlikely to stem the tide of gambling’s presence in modern culture, which includes betting on esports. This is an area where younger users are more likely to participate. The debate surrounding the impact of legal gambling content is ongoing, with gambling companies and trade organizations arguing that it pushes those who would gamble illegally into more regulated areas. However, organizations like the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) express concern that the risk of harmful gambling has increased significantly since the legalization of gambling in many states, highlighting the need for public funding to prevent and treat gambling problems.

Conclusion

The new policy announced by YouTube reflects a step towards regulating gambling content online, particularly in terms of protecting younger audiences and promoting transparency about the risks associated with gambling. However, the broader cultural and societal implications of legalized gambling, including its impact on problem gambling and the need for public support for those affected, remain pressing issues that require continued attention and action.