What YouTube's new rules on gambling and AI content mean for you?

YouTube demonstrated commitment to user safety and responsible platform use with its recent updates on gambling-related content policies.

The policy changes went into effect on 19 March 2025, making it illegal for creators to use verbal references, logos and links to gambling websites in their videos or descriptions to advertise unapproved gambling services.

This policy seeks to protect younger viewers, minimise exposure to harmful gambling promotions, and act by gambling regulations worldwide.

"We've strengthened our policies that prohibit content directing viewers to unapproved gambling websites or applications," said YouTube spokesperson Boot Bullwinkle. "We will also begin age-restricting content that promotes online casinos."

You should become familiar with these policy changes if you are a content creator or a viewer who likes watching videos about gambling.

No more unauthorised promotions for gambling

Previously, most YouTubers supported online casinos by mentioning them in their videos and adding logos and gambling website links in the description.

Most affiliate marketing-based gambling content creators must adapt their content according to the new policy. YouTube has yet to provide an approved list of gambling operators. It is important to note that those platforms following the law and having the appropriate licenses will be granted priority.

Age restrictions

Tighter age limits on gambling videos are another significant adjustment. YouTube will block content encouraging online gambling so children can't view it, even if they're not logged in. The restrictions won't be applied to all content of this type.

Online sports betting, conventional in-person gambling, and gambling-related conversations that do not specifically encourage betting are a few examples. The content that does not specifically promote gambling services may continue on the platform without limitations.

No more "Guaranteed Wins" or misleading claims

The addition of deceptive gambling content on YouTube, where creators have pushed betting methods that promise to increase profits, has been a big worry for the platform. Even if they advertise authorised services, these videos will be removed from the platform under the new policy.

This is also in line with the larger trend in online gambling laws, where platforms and authorities are cracking down on deceptive advertising that might promote careless gambling.

Why is YouTube implementing these changes?

The stricter gambling policies are part of creating a safer online environment. YouTube follows other platforms like Twitch, where online casino streaming has been banned since 2022.

Additionally, many of the following countries have introduced tighter gambling regulations in recent years.

• The UK Gambling Commission has enforced stricter advertising rules to protect users.
• Some European countries now require gambling companies to verify the ages of users before allowing them to view gambling advertisements.
• The US has noted an increase in gambling influencers who promote online betting, which are under investigation.

By tightening the rules, YouTube ensures it remains compliant with these evolving regulations while protecting its users, especially minors and problem gamblers.

How will this impact creators and viewers?

The policy changes may require content creators focusing on gambling-related content to change how they create their work. Creators may need to take down outdated videos, modify their monetisation tactics and learn to develop new ways to interact with viewers. On the other hand, the audience will see fewer gambling advertisements and potentially harmful promotions.

YouTube made it clear that it stands with responsible gambling, and its updated gambling policies mark a significant change in the way content is regulated. It will be interesting to see how some content creators adjust as these guidelines take effect.

Online sports betting and its influence on other markets

Since the US Supreme Court struck down the federal sports betting ban in 2018, the online sports betting market has grown to be worth billions of dollars. This decision gave states the authority to legalise and control sports betting, which caused the market to “explode”.

The success of sports betting has opened the doors for other forms of online gaming, including placing bizarre bets:

• Political betting – Placing bets on the outcome of elections and political events.
• Entertainment – Betting on TV show outcomes, award ceremonies like the Oscars, and reality TV.
• Esports betting – Betting on professional video game competitions.

With the rise in popularity of political betting, some offshore gambling sites now provide odds on parliamentary and presidential elections. The US still prohibits political betting because of ethical concerns, but other nations, such as the UK, permit it on regulated platforms.

The future of online betting is unclear as regulators, tech companies, and the gambling industry must now strike a balance between innovation and responsibility.

YouTube’s rules on AI-generated content: What you need to know

In 2023, YouTube introduced new policies requiring content creators to label AI-generated content that might mislead users. With the advancement of artificial intelligence, this policy was part of a broader effort to encourage transparency and fight misinformation.

AI technology can create ultra-realistic deepfakes, voice clones, and fake videos. YouTube aims to prevent viewers from being deceived by content that appears real but is actually generated by artificial intelligence.

Under these rules, YouTube requires creators to label content as "altered", where AI tools have been used to create life-like individuals, events, and settings that never occurred and content that includes realistic voices developed by AI that impersonate real individuals without permission.

Why was this rule created?

Many users have raised concerns about misinformation on the platform, and YouTube has taken action to regulate the use of AI-generated content. It is mainly because AI technology can trick viewers, but it can also provide harmless entertainment.

When content creators fail to disclose that, they could face video takedowns, demonetisation, and even account suspension. YouTube's automated detection tools are busy improving. For now, YouTube largely relies on user reports and manual reviews.

The AI disclosure policy is just one step in a larger movement towards regulating synthetic media. As governments, tech companies, and social media platforms seek ways to manage AI responsibly, we can expect stricter policies in the future.