YouTube, the world’s most popular online video community, which allows millions of people all over the world share and watch videos has amended its terms and conditions which will provide bingo operators unique opportunities for the future.

YouTube was founded in February 2005, and is owned by Google, which has spent the last two years slowly easing their policy on gambling restrictions. In October 2008 the policy on Adwords which banned online gambling, was removed. This has seen many gambling operators marketing their brands on YouTube.

The latest round of reviews will provide further opportunities as it allows licensed operators in specific countries to run gambling adverts on the site.

Advertising for the promotion of online gambling includes, but is not limited to, the following: online casinos, sports books, poker, and sites that provide tips, odds, and handicapping ("online gambling ads"). Online gambling ads are not permitted, except by licensed entities located in England, Scotland, Wales, Italy, France, or Spain ("Permitted Locations"). We may accept online gambling ads from licensed entities that have been previously approved through the appropriate AdWords application process, provided that those ads are not targeted outside the Permitted Locations.

Companies can now run marketing and advertising campaigns on their channels as well as on YouTube’s site pages. There will be restrictions to protect young persons in which viewers will have to verify they are at least 18 years of age before they can view any such content.

Some companies have already started to taken advantage of the new legislation and it is expected that many of the big brands will be quick to follow.