YouTube revises guidelines for gambling-related material

The video platform is also introducing new rules for graphic violence.

US.- Google-owned YouTube has revised its Community Guidelines for gambling-related material and graphic violence in video games. It says the move is intended to ensure safeguards for vulnerable viewers, specifically

From November 17, the platform will tighten measures to align with evolving norms and regulatory expectations surrounding mature content. As part of this update, YouTube will impose stricter controls on gambling content, barring creators from linking to gambling platforms or apps that lack Google certification.

The scope of these rules now extends to gambling involving digital assets with real-world value, such as in-game skins, cosmetic items and NFTs. Social casino games, which mimic gambling mechanics without offering monetary payouts, will also face tighter moderation. Such content will be restricted to users aged 18 and older.

In parallel, YouTube is introducing new age-gating protocols for gaming videos that depict graphic violence. Specifically, content showing realistic human characters subjected to torture or mass violence against civilians will be subject to age restrictions. Moderators will assess such material based on three criteria: duration (whether violent scenes are extended or frequently repeated), prominence (if the imagery is zoomed in or central to the video) and realism (whether the violence targets characters with human-like features.

YouTube has indicated that most creators will see minimal disruption. However, those whose content falls within the revised parameters are advised to review and adjust their videos before the enforcement date.

While older uploads that violate the new standards may be age-restricted or removed, YouTube confirmed that no strikes will be issued for content published prior to the policy change.

To assist with compliance, creators are encouraged to use YouTube’s built-in tools, such as trimming, blurring or updating descriptions. Notifications of enforcement actions will be sent via email, and creators will have access to an appeals process for any disputes.

In a statement, YouTube said: “Our policies continue to evolve with the digital ecosystem. These updates ensure YouTube remains a safe environment for users while allowing creative freedom for our creator community.”