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The explosion of gambling-related content on video-sharing platform YouTube is now facing enhanced restrictions, as the Google-owned service wil no longer allow content that directs viewers to “unapproved” beting websites, either via images, text, links and even verbal references, according to an interview on Tuesday on CNN.
YouTube defines unapproved gambling sites as ones that do not meet local legal requirements or haven’t been reviewed by YouTube or Google.
In the interview YouTube spokesperson Boot Bullwinker told CNN, “We’ve strengthened our policies that prohibit content directing viewers to unapproved gambling websites or applications,We will also begin age-restricting content that promotes online casinos.”
The move comes as Google properties in general have clampled down on unapproved gambling websites, leading to much industry annoyance that the search giant has too much control over what people can and cannot see for themselves.
YouTube has long prohibited content with “sensational language” promising guaranteed winnings or loss recovery from creators promoting online online betting sites.
This change updates its language to now rule out content promising guaranteed returns — even from approved sites – this content will now be removed going forward.
Another facet of the update means that users who are under 18 or users who are not logged into the site, will no longer be able to view content that promotes gambling.
Meanwhile YourTube videos that are classed as educational in content, teaching viewers how to make money on online sports betting and the likes, can get hundreds of thousands of views leading to concerns that millions could be at risk of severe gambling problems.
As with any change like this, it is only as successful as the automated and human moderation is but it comes at a time where the clamor for big-tech and social media companies to be seen to make strides in user-safety have never been higher.
