YouTube has announced that it will be implementing enhanced rules regarding the advertising of and linking to online gambling sites. The new rules are scheduled to go into effect on Wednesday, March 19.
The strengthened rules are an attempt to block YouTube users from posting or viewing content that promotes unregulated – or more specifically, uncertified by Google – sites. In a recent post, YouTube stated, "Under our existing policies relating to illegal or regulated goods or services, we don’t allow any method of directing viewers to gambling sites or applications that are not certified by Google. This now includes URLs, links embedded in images or text, visual displays (incl. logos) or verbal references."
Though not detailed, the rules are also likely to curtail the widespread practice of unregulated sites creating 'fake affiliate' advertising sites that can serve as a buffer for gambling sites themselves.
Users will also need to be signed in and over 18 to watch any online gambling content. There are two exceptions to this rule: content focused on online sports betting and in-person gambling.
Offshore poker and sweeps sites likeliest to be impacted
Most major online poker sites are unlikely to be affected, as those issues were sorted out following a short-lived, global ban on gambling content on YouTube several years ago. Instead, the focus on uncertified sites and related content should allow for better targeting regarding YouTube's intent
In online poker, offshore sites such as ACR Poker, a lightly regulated entity, could fall under YouTube's ban hammer. Sweeps-based online poker and casino sites such as Global Poker could be even more heavily targeted, despite those sites' assertions that they operate within applicable laws. That many sweeps-based companies have withdrawn from numerous states is unlikely to work in their favor, and YouTube has geoblocking capabilities as well, to ensure compliance.
It's yet to be seen whether there will be any wider implications for poker content. Hustler Casino Live was suspended in September last year after violating a policy that was never clearly detailed. Co-owner Ryan Feldman told PokerOrg at the time, "We didn't get specifics, but we believe we addressed the issue properly and will be good to go going forward. We believe it won't happen in the future."
Hustler Casino Live is still active on YouTube but content creators in the gambling space that rely on YouTube revenue will be nervous ahead of the March 19 deadline.
