YouTube is set to introduce new policies aimed at restricting online gambling content on its platform. The video-sharing giant has announced that it will soon prohibit creators from verbally referring to gambling services not approved by Google, as well as displaying their logos and linking to them in videos.

The new rules, which will come into effect on March 19th, are part of YouTube's efforts to protect its community, particularly younger viewers. The platform will also introduce age restrictions on videos about online gambling, meaning that users under 18, or anyone not signed into YouTube, won't be able to watch these videos. However, YouTube has clarified that this rule excludes videos showing online sports betting and people gambling in person.

YouTube's decision to tighten its policies on gambling content is likely a response to growing concerns about the impact of online gambling on young people. The platform has faced criticism in the past for allowing gambling-related content to proliferate on its site, and this move is seen as a step towards addressing these concerns.

The new rules will also see YouTube remove content "promising guaranteed returns," whether or not the gambling service in question has been approved by Google. This move is aimed at preventing creators from promoting fraudulent or misleading gambling schemes.

This is not the first time YouTube has taken steps to restrict gambling-related content. In 2021, the platform banned gambling ads for its masthead ad slot, and other tech companies have also taken similar measures. For example, Twitch began restricting streams that show gambling sites with slots, roulette, or dice games in 2022.

YouTube's move is also part of a broader trend towards greater scrutiny of online gambling. Google, YouTube's parent company, has announced that it will start testing a machine learning model to estimate a user's age, allowing its platforms, including YouTube, to provide "age-appropriate experiences."

The implications of YouTube's new policies are significant, particularly for creators who focus on online gambling content. While the platform has stated that it believes these changes are necessary to protect its community, some creators may feel that the restrictions are too onerous. As the online gambling landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how YouTube's new policies are received by its users and creators.

In conclusion, YouTube's decision to restrict online gambling content is a significant move that reflects the platform's commitment to protecting its users, particularly younger viewers. While the implications of these policies are still unclear, they are likely to have a significant impact on the online gambling industry and the creators who operate within it.