Brazil's government has taken decisive action against YouTube channels promoting unauthorized gambling content, resulting in the closure of more than 50 accounts. This move follows YouTube's recent implementation of stricter guidelines for gambling-related promotions on its platform.
The National Secretariat for Sports Betting and Economic Development of Sports (SNAEDE) identified 53 accounts and an additional 25 channels that were found to be in breach of the updated regulations. These channels, which often garnered over 100,000 views per video, were reported to the Ministries of Justice and the Federal Police for investigation.
Under the new rules, YouTube stipulates that gambling advertisements must exclusively link to websites with the regulated bet.br domain. This requirement is part of a broader effort to curb the spread of unregulated betting activities and protect vulnerable viewers.
Giovanni Rocco, the SNAEDE secretary, hailed the crackdown as a significant achievement, stating, "This is a victory for the Ministry of Sports, SNAEDE and the courage of Minister André Fufuca, who took this complaint forward." Rocco emphasized the importance of safeguarding families from potential scams, adding, "This result represents progress in protecting the most vulnerable families, who end up being deceived by scammers disguised as digital influencers."
The Brazilian authorities' primary concern was the promotion of bets with "false promises of profit," which is now explicitly prohibited under YouTube's updated guidelines. This move aligns with a global trend of increased scrutiny on online gambling promotions, particularly those targeting younger or vulnerable audiences.
YouTube's response to the situation was clear and direct. A spokesperson for the platform, Boot Bullwinker, told CNN, "We've strengthened our policies that prohibit content directing viewers to unapproved gambling websites or applications, We will also begin age-restricting content that promotes online casinos."
This development in Brazil serves as a reminder of the evolving landscape of online gambling regulations and the increasing responsibility placed on content platforms to monitor and control gambling-related promotions. As the industry continues to grow, it's likely that other countries may follow suit with similar measures to protect consumers and maintain the integrity of online gambling activities.
