YouTube’s latest gambling policy has had a profound impact on poker content creators, raising concerns across the iGaming community. Introduced earlier this year, the updated rules aim to protect underage viewers by limiting access to gambling-related content. However, the broad application of these rules has unintentionally affected educational poker channels, including those that focus on strategy, hand analysis, and tournament coverage.
Since May, many creators have reported significant reductions in video visibility and ad revenue. Educational content that previously drew tens of thousands of views is now often flagged, resulting in revenue losses of up to 90 percent. Creators like Nick Eastwood and Kevin Martin have spoken out, highlighting that automated moderation systems fail to differentiate between skill-based content and casino promotions. Appeals are commonly denied within minutes, leaving creators frustrated and unsupported by the platform.
The policy’s enforcement has also been inconsistent. While poker videos face heavy restrictions, similar content in slots and blackjack streams often remains unaffected. Sports betting educators and analysts are experiencing comparable difficulties, with instructional videos being grouped alongside unregulated gambling promotions. This has prompted many creators to explore alternative platforms such as Twitch, Kick, and poker-focused sites, while others shift to lifestyle or vlog content to bypass restrictions.
The poker creator community is calling for a more balanced approach. Suggestions include implementing age verification systems, distinguishing skill-based poker from chance-based games, and introducing human-reviewed appeals to ensure fairness. Until YouTube revises its policy, the future of educational poker content on the platform remains uncertain, highlighting the broader challenge of regulating online gambling while preserving legitimate, skill-focused content.
