Users of YouTube will no longer be able to see content from gambling sites that are not licensed in their country.
YouTube posted an update, stating: “As part of YouTube’s ongoing efforts to protect viewers from potentially harmful content, we are strengthening our existing policies related to online gambling content, effective March 19th.”
Unregulated and Unseen: The Potential Impact on Crypto Casinos
The ban on content relating to unlicensed operators will heavily impact crypto casino operators. Licensing regimes globally are yet to truly understand digital currencies. As such, in territories with stringent gambling regulatory laws, crypto casino content will not be viewable.
The first change, outlined is: “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. Please note that content promising guaranteed returns may be removed regardless of whether the online gambling site or application has been approved by Google.”
YouTube currently features a plethora of gambling content, with the rise of casino streaming leading to highlight packages of big wins being particularly popular. Given the inherent digital nature of cryptocurrency, crypto casinos such as Stake.com achieved monumental growth through influencer sponsorship and video content.
Where crypto casinos are not prohibited, the content will still be available. Given that some of the most notable streamers of casino content are based in the United States and have a predominantly American/Western audience, they are likely to be heavily impacted.
The update continues: “Content that does not violate our Community Guidelines but still features depictions or promotions of online casino sites or apps may be age-restricted. This means that online gambling content (excluding online sports betting and depictions of in-person gambling) won’t be available to signed-out users or users under 18.”
It concludes: “We know this update may impact creators who focus on online gambling content like casino games and applications, but we believe these changes are a necessary step in protecting our community, especially younger viewers. YouTube is committed to supporting creators while ensuring a safe and responsible platform for everyone.”
The change in policy follows Google’s change regarding Google Ads and stricter rules around aggregators and affiliates.
Crypto, Casino Streams, and the Influence Game: What’s Next?
It’s another blow to crypto operators who have previously utilized influencers and video content for affiliate marketing to great effect when compared to ‘traditional companies.’
Amazon-owned streaming platform Twitch has aggressively shut down the broadcast of casino, leading to the advent of Kick. Kick is owned by Stake, and has become the go-to destination for more ‘controversial’ influencers and gambling content.
Details of influencer deals are often not made public, but some of the world’s biggest streamers have amassed considerable wealth—both in fiat and digital currencies. Broadcaster Amouranth, who started on Twitch, posted a picture of her crypto wallet showing over $20 million in Bitcoin holdings.
The streamer was recently the victim of a ‘crypto wrench’ attack, in which a significant holder of currency is threatened with physical force to hand them over.
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