TL;DR
- YouTube is updating its gambling policy starting November 17, generating confusion in the crypto community.
- A spokesperson confirmed the policy will not affect general content about NFTs or Web3 gaming.
- The measure targets uncertified casino sites that use crypto or NFTs as rewards, not legitimate games.
The cryptocurrency creator community reacted with alarm after a recent YouTube announcement about expanding its gambling content policy. However, the platform has clarified that the measure will not result in a widespread ban on content related to cryptocurrencies or NFTs.
The confusion arose when YouTube announced that, starting November 17, it would prohibit redirecting viewers to sites offering “additional items that have monetary value,” including video game skins, cosmetics, and NFTs. This sparked fear that the new YouTube policy on crypto would eliminate monetization or the reach of Web3 gaming content, where in-game items (NFTs) have value on the open market.
Creators like “Gorilla” indicated they understood how the volatile trading of NFTs or meme coins could be seen as “gambling” by some.
The True Scope of the Update
A YouTube spokesperson confirmed that the panic was not justified. “Content showing video game skins or cosmetics creators earn in games or general discussions about items with real-world monetary value, such as NFTs, will not be impacted by this update,” the Google-owned company stated.
YouTube clarified that its new policy on crypto is specifically designed to target online gambling and casino sites, not legitimate crypto gaming experiences. The move responds to the rise of casino sites that sponsor creators and offer rewards in crypto tokens or NFTs.
Crypto gaming content creator “Iceyyy” called the measure a “reasonable and healthy policy improvement” to protect consumers and underage audiences.
Nonetheless, YouTube did warn that content promising “guaranteed returns” (a common tactic in scams) may be removed, even if the gambling site is “certified by Google.” Legitimate content promoting certified gambling sites will, in any case, be age-restricted.
