YouTube has announced a crackdown on illegal gambling content in response to the proliferation of such material following the 2018 Supreme Court decision that allowed states in the US to legalize gambling. This decision opened the floodgates for various forms of gambling-related content, ranging from odds displays during sports broadcasts to endorsements by high-profile individuals for betting platforms. However, YouTube is taking steps to curb the promotion of unauthorized gambling sites or apps on its platform.
The new policies unveiled by YouTube will prohibit any content, including URLs, links, logos, or verbal mentions, that leads users to unapproved gambling services. The platform has defined approved services as those complying with local laws and regulations, a criteria that has significantly expanded post-2018. Even if a gambling service meets these requirements, YouTube will remove content that guarantees specific returns, as this would negate the essence of gambling by essentially offering free money.
While YouTube’s restrictions will come into effect on March 19, the platform will still allow online sports betting content to be exempt from age restrictions. Notably, depictions of in-person gambling will not be permitted, potentially affecting a wide range of media, including Hollywood productions, music videos, and news segments. These changes align with efforts to limit exposure to gambling-related content, especially among underage viewers.
The move by YouTube follows a similar action by Twitch in 2022, which saw a significant decline in views for gambling-related streams after implementing restrictions. Despite these measures, the prevalence of gambling content in popular culture, particularly in areas like esports, continues to raise concerns. Proponents of legal gambling argue that regulated platforms can divert individuals from illicit gambling activities, promoting a safer environment for users.
However, critics, such as Keith Whyte, the executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling, have expressed apprehensions about the potential negative impact of increased gambling accessibility. Whyte highlighted a lack of public funding for addressing problem gambling, citing a rise in harmful gambling behaviors since the legalization of gambling in multiple states. These contrasting viewpoints underscore the complex dynamics surrounding the regulation of gambling content and its societal implications.