YouTube is conducting a “platform-wide review” of videos and channels to ensure age restrictions are being properly applied. The platform has also clarified that Balatro gameplay videos should not be rated 18+ unless they genuinely violate its gambling policy or other community guidelines.
The issue surfaced over the weekend when Balatro creator LocalThunk took to social media to report that Balatro videos “are being rated 18+ on YouTube now for gambling.”
LocalThunk’s comment highlighted a perceived inconsistency on the platform. He pointed out the irony, stating, “Good thing we are protecting children from knowing what a 4 of a kind is and letting them watch CS case opening videos instead.” Indeed, videos of CS2 case openings, which have established connections to real-money gambling, remain widely available on YouTube.
Consequences of Age Restrictions for Creators
This misclassification, while it might seem minor, presents significant challenges for content creators. An age restriction on a video limits its visibility (and thus its reach through YouTube’s recommendation algorithm) and can also affect monetization, as some advertisers avoid placing ads on age-restricted content.
YouTube’s Acknowledgment and Correction
Fortunately, YouTube acknowledged the error. “TY for flagging!” the TeamYouTube account posted on X (formerly Twitter) in response to LocalThunk’s message. “Videos featuring Balatro gameplay should not be age-restricted. We’re reviewing the age-restrictions on these videos and conducting a platform-wide review. Thanks for your patience as we fix!”
A YouTube spokesperson confirmed this response in a statement to PC Gamer: “Videos featuring Balatro gameplay should not be age-restricted. We’re fixing the issue and conducting a platform-wide review.”
Explanation and Guidance from YouTube
YouTube suggested that Balatro videos were inadvertently affected by recent changes to its policies on gambling-related content and their enforcement. The platform stated it welcomes feedback on its enforcement measures as it continues to refine their application. YouTube also encouraged creators who believe their content has been inappropriately age-rated to file an appeal.
Balatro’s Previous Rating Controversies
For those familiar with Balatro‘s journey, this is not its first encounter with rating complications. The game, which uses poker mechanics superficially and is free from any in-game spending or real-money gambling features, has faced similar issues before.
In December 2024, PEGI—the Pan-European Gaming Information rating system—initially rated Balatro 18+, citing that it teaches “knowledge and skill [that] could be transferred to a real-life game of poker.” This rating was also later reversed, though the resolution process took a couple of months.
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