Key Policy Changes and Their Impact
YouTube has announced updates to its Community Guidelines concerning online gambling and mature gaming content, which will take effect on November 17, 2025. These changes aim to expand the platform's definition of gambling to encompass "digital goods that have real monetary value." This expansion specifically includes items such as video game skins, in-game cosmetics, and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
Previously, YouTube prohibited links or promotions directing viewers to online gambling sites not certified by Google. The updated policy will extend this restriction to any gambling activity involving tradable digital goods. According to YouTube, this adjustment is intended to align with evolving industry standards and to address the increasing use of cryptocurrencies and NFTs in casino-style promotions.
Furthermore, the platform is implementing stricter rules for graphic gaming content and social casino games. Videos that depict intense violence involving realistic human characters, or those showcasing social casino sites where players engage in casino-style gameplay without the ability to cash out, will be subject to age restrictions.
Crypto Community Concerns and YouTube's Response
The initial announcement of these policy changes caused significant concern within the crypto gaming community, leading many creators to believe that all blockchain and NFT-related videos might be removed. There was a widespread fear that YouTube would categorize any form of crypto gaming as gambling.
Concerns were particularly heightened for blockchain-based games, where digital items or tokens frequently possess market value. Creators cited examples such as Counter-Strike 2's case openings, where users purchase random in-game items that can later be sold for real money, thus blurring the lines between gaming and gambling. This led to apprehension that YouTube's new rules could inadvertently impact legitimate blockchain games and NFT content.
However, YouTube has since issued a clarification to address these worries, stating that its intention is not to ban crypto or NFT gaming content. A company spokesperson confirmed that videos featuring in-game skins, cosmetics, or general discussions about items with real-world monetary value, such as NFTs, will not be affected by the update.
The platform emphasized that the strengthened rules are specifically targeting casino and gambling websites, particularly those that sponsor creators and offer rewards like cash, cryptocurrency, or NFTs. The update is designed to create a clearer distinction between gaming-related entertainment and gambling promotions.
Enforcement and Certified Operators
YouTube has indicated that the only exceptions to its updated policy will be for gambling operators that have been officially certified by Google. While the company does not maintain a public list of these certified operators, platforms can apply for certification provided they adhere to regional gambling laws and meet Google's compliance standards in their respective countries.
The platform also clarified that any video promoting guaranteed profits or returns, regardless of whether it pertains to gambling, crypto trading, or similar activities, may still be removed under existing rules. The certification status of a site or app will not exempt such content from potential removal. Content that features or promotes gambling sites may remain available on the platform but will be restricted to viewers aged 18 and older.
Creators have been advised to review their content and make necessary edits to video descriptions or blur certain sections of older videos before the November 17 deadline. YouTube has stated that older videos that fall under the new rules may be removed or age-restricted, but will not result in a strike against the creator's channel.