New gambling rules are going to affect poker content, as well
YouTube’s latest policy regarding gambling-related content could impact the poker content creation community, with many creators reporting restrictions, video removals, and drastic drops in viewership. The policy updates, which became effective on March 19, aim to limit the promotion of gambling sites that are not certified by Google, and they have already affected a range of creators who produce poker content.
888poker content creator and professional player Nick Eastwood was among the first to go public with the issue. He described how one of his videos had been removed for the first time, although it was later restored. Other creators were swift to respond to his post, relating similar experiences and confusion as to how the rules were being applied.
Under the updated policy, YouTube prohibits all word-of-mouth and links that direct viewers to unauthorized online gambling websites. That includes visual branding, text links, and even verbal endorsement.
Even videos that are compliant with YouTube’s general content policy can have age restrictions put in place if they’re talking about licensed online casino sites or applications. Such restrictions prevent access to signed-out users or those younger than 18 years old, which can significantly reduce a video’s audience.
A full explanation of the extremely worrying developments for poker content creators on @YouTube.@GazzyB1233 @TheBradOwen @Weazel_1991 @YouTubeCreators
YouTube are Destroying Poker Content Creators https://t.co/NWUImR6kqO via @YouTube pic.twitter.com/En8cqDq3m1
— Nick Eastwood (@eastyyy22) April 18, 2025
Videos promoting unauthorized gambling websites are liable to be taken down completely. A channel that receives three such strikes will be permanently terminated. Eastwood said the enforcement appears to be inconsistent since the videos are sometimes flagged without being clearly elucidated. As a result, he’s paused activity on his channel due to the ambiguity and shrinking ad profits.
Many in the poker community had shifted their focus to YouTube after facing similar prohibitions on other platforms like Twitch. With YouTube now cracking down, some producers fear that it will no longer be possible to produce poker-related content on the site.
Such a shift would transform how poker is promoted online, especially if the site doesn’t clarify its enforcement approach in the near future.
