YouTube will enforce stricter Community Guidelines related to gambling and violent video game content beginning November 17, 2025, reflecting its push to adapt to evolving online trends and strengthen protections for younger viewers. The changes focus on gambling with virtual assets, social casino content, and games depicting graphic violence involving realistic characters.
The platform is broadening its definition of gambling to include digital goods such as video game skins, NFTs, and cosmetic items that have real-world value. Previously, YouTube only restricted links to unauthorized gambling sites. Under the new policy, any content that promotes or facilitates gambling using virtual items can be removed or age-restricted.
“We’re making these updates to keep pace with new trends, like gambling with digital goods, and to more closely align our guidelines for mature content with industry standards,” YouTube explained in its announcement.
Creators who feature skin trading, NFT wagering, or in-game betting will need to modify their videos to comply. YouTube said these updates aim to reduce the exposure of minors to gambling-style mechanics that mirror real-world wagering systems.
Age Limits for Social Casino Content
The platform is also tightening oversight of social casino games — digital versions of slot machines, poker, or roulette that don’t use real money. Starting mid-November, all content showcasing such games will automatically be restricted to viewers aged 18 and older.
“Content that depicts, promotes, or facilitates social casino sites will now be age-restricted,” YouTube said. While creators can continue uploading these videos, YouTube warned that age restrictions could limit visibility and monetization opportunities.
This shift reflects broader efforts to curb exposure to simulated gambling, which experts say can normalize betting behavior among young players.
Tougher Standards on Violent Gaming Scenes
YouTube is also refining its rules for graphic gaming content, targeting scenes that involve realistic human characters. The company said it will focus on depictions of torture or mass violence against non-combatants.
When reviewing videos, YouTube will weigh several factors:
- Duration: Whether the violent scenes are prolonged or part of a compilation.
- Prominence: If violent imagery is the main focus or zoomed in on.
- Realism: Whether the violence affects characters resembling real humans.
Creators producing content from series like Resident Evil, The Last of Us, or Call of Duty may need to blur or trim certain sequences to remain compliant. YouTube’s editing tools allow creators to make adjustments without removing entire videos.
Managing Older Content and Appeals
The platform expects minimal disruption for most creators but confirmed that older videos breaching the new rules could be age-restricted or taken down. “Content uploaded before November 17, 2025, that violates these guidelines may be removed or age-restricted, but will not result in a strike,” YouTube clarified.
Creators will receive email notifications if their videos are affected and can appeal through YouTube Studio. Adding timestamps or educational context may strengthen appeal cases.
YouTube said the policy update aligns with global standards and reflects its ongoing effort to evolve “alongside the digital world.” To stay compliant, creators are encouraged to review and edit videos before November 17, apply manual age restrictions when needed, and follow updates through YouTube’s Creator Blog.
Source:
“YouTube’s strengthened approach to online gambling and graphic violence in gaming”, support.google.com. October 28, 2025
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