YouTube is expanding its gambling policy to include content related to digital assets such as NFTs and in-game items. The new rules take effect on November 17, after which the platform will begin monitoring compliance.
This policy change has already raised concerns within the gaming industry and among creators producing blockchain- and crypto-based game content.
Although YouTube clarified that creators posting non-gambling or non-violent gaming content will face “virtually no consequences,” those specializing in first-person shooters, loot boxes, NFT rewards, and competitive PvP with tokenized stakes may find themselves in a more uncertain situation.
Moreover, any video uploaded before November 17 that violates the new rules could be removed or age-restricted. While such older videos will not count as strikes, they may still lose visibility. YouTube stated that affected creators can use the platform’s trimming and blurring tools to edit their videos before the deadline.
In addition to these gambling-related changes, YouTube is also introducing new age restrictions for certain types of gaming content. Videos showing casino-style games, even if they don’t involve real money, will now be age-gated.
Furthermore, videos depicting realistic characters subjected to violence, torture, or attacks on non-combatants will face stricter scrutiny — particularly when such violence is prolonged or central to the content.
Complaints and appeals
YouTube will notify affected users via email if a video is removed or age-restricted. Impacted users will have the right to appeal, though the success rate of such appeals remains unclear.
YouTube has not specified whether enforcement will be handled by automated moderation or human reviewers. However, given the vague definition of what constitutes gambling-related content when it comes to NFTs or digital goods, confusion among Web3 creators is inevitable.
The key factors determining a ban are whether the content is gambling-related and whether it “shows, promotes, or facilitates” gambling using digital items with real-world value.
YouTube specifically highlights skin gambling as a violation. However, other games featuring open economies, item trading systems, or external marketplaces could also be at risk if those assets are deemed to have a gambling component or monetary stake.
Even if a blockchain game does not explicitly promote gambling, YouTube may still take action on viewer-reported videos that simulate gambling gameplay. This includes NFT loot box openings, token prize battles, or the use of phrases like “betting,” “winning tokens,” or “valuable NFT drops.” As noted by PlayToEarn, in practice, any blockchain game featuring randomness tied to real value could face moderation or removal.
Source: https://tradersunion.com/
