According to the new guidelines, content creators on the platform will be prohibited from referencing or directing viewers to illegal gambling websites and apps. This includes URLs, links embedded in images or texts, and even verbal mentions.
“Content that promises guaranteed returns may be removed, regardless of whether the online gambling website or app has been approved by Google,” the new usage policy on the platform highlights.
The National Secretariat for Sports Betting and Economic Development of Sports (Snaede), part of the Ministry of Sports, identified a network of more than 53 accounts and 25 channels on YouTube that promoted bets with false promises of profit, attracting audiences of over 100,000 viewers per broadcast.
Digital influencers play a central role in this practice, lending an appearance of legitimacy to the scheme. The channels were reported by the MEsp to the Ministry of Justice, the Federal Police and during a recent public hearing at the Supreme Federal Court.
According to the secretary of Snaede, Giovanni Rocco, in light of these reports, the Ministry of Justice opened an investigation, and YouTube anticipated the announcement that advertising about betting must only be linked to websites authorized by the Brazilian government, which must be hosted under the ".bet.br" domain.
"This is a victory for the Ministry of Sports, Snaede and the courage of Minister André Fufuca, who took this report forward. This result represents progress in protecting the most vulnerable families, who end up being deceived by scammers disguised as digital influencers," stated Rocco.
"With these actions, the Ministry of Sports reinforces its commitment to the integrity of sports betting and the protection of bettors against deceptive practices."
Source: GMB
