Google announced a major policy update that will affect creators posting content featuring gambling elements or digital assets. The platform will ban videos linking to websites where users can place bets using in-game items, skins, or tokens with real-world value.
Going forward, videos promoting gambling platforms will only be allowed if those sites are certified by Google Ads and operate in compliance with local regulations. YouTube said the goal is to protect users – particularly minors – from opaque schemes where game cosmetics and NFTs are used for betting.
YouTube will also apply an age gate to videos featuring casino-style games that do not involve real money, making them viewable only to users over 18. The same restriction will apply to videos showing realistic violence with human characters, including scenes of torture or large-scale attacks.
According to the company, the update reflects its effort to curb unregulated gambling and reduce risks associated with digital asset trading and NFTs. The changes aim to bring community guidelines in line with current standards for digital content regulation.
Community Reaction
The update has sparked concern within the gaming community. iGaming Express reports that the Counter-Strike 2 scene could be among the hardest hit, as in-game skins have long functioned as tradeable assets. Many third-party sites let users wager these items on esports matches or roulette-style games – content that may now face takedowns or restrictions under the new policy.
Analysts point out that YouTube’s move mirrors Twitch’s 2023 decision to limit gambling promotions, though enforcement of those rules remains uneven.
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