Frequent readers of our site must know Twitch, the live-streaming social platform that focuses on the streaming of games. It allows gamers to broadcast their interaction online with games, matches, and others, such as commentary on current news or vlog-format content.
With over 140 million active users across the globe, Twitch recently announced that it is going to change some of its policies which are around gambling. It will implement those policies on October 18. Twitch tweeted this announcement on its official Twitter account. Furthermore, this Amazon-owned platform specifically mentioned the name of the websites which are Stake.com, Duelbits.com, Roobet.com, and Rollbit.com.
These websites are operating without any registration by the US and other concerned authorities. Moreover, these websites actively collaborate with big streamers like Itssliker and exploit the users and followers. For this reason, Twitch has decided to regulate gambling streams to protect its community.
However, Twitch is not going to restrict all online gambling activities. For example, it will permit those websites which offer fewer addictive games such as sports betting, online casino and poker.
No more slots, roulette, dice games
As Twitch is going to update its policies, they will be effective starting October 18. The changing of policies is majorly around gambling. Twitch has clearly said that they strictly prohibit the referral codes of slots, roulette, and even dice games.
The management of Twitch has started noticing that many websites are not registered by the US and other authorities. They collaborate with big streamers and harm the whole community. Specifically, the above-mentioned game types come with the major potential for gambling addiction. Additionally, the users become easy targets for these games. In this way, they lose their money to big companies.
As mentioned previously, other platforms which offer poker, fantasy sports, and sports betting will continue. Nevertheless, since streamers often make use of their platforms to issue referral codes to their fans and followers, streaming restrictions may reduce the financial revenue of Twitch users. Therefore, these restrictions might still be harmful, especially considering streamers spent more than fifteen hours streaming while playing slots, dice games, and roulette.
Accordingly, Twitch will not restrict all gambling games and platforms. It will permit only properly registered websites that offer safe gambling options. This is clearly an important decision to take by Twitch, as it will protect users from being exploited and harmed. Otherwise, Twitch will start losing its valuable users and followers.
Itssliker’s Gambling Addiction
The addiction to gambling can happen quickly if it is not taking place in a controlled environment. Such a case appeared a few days back when one of the famous Twitch streamers Itssliker admitted that he is completely addicted to gambling. The streamer with a following of over 430k subscribers on Twitch recently admitted to stealing over $200,000 from his Twitch followers and fans to satisfy his gambling needs.
Itssliker used to borrow money from other streamers without telling them the actual reason. The other fellow streamers such as xQc and Trainwreck were also in this situation as debtors. Moreover, Trainwreck is claiming to give over $100,000 to Itssliker. This causes major damage to trust, integrity, and friendship.
Many other content creators and streamers started coming forward and telling how much money they have lent to Itssliker. Additionally, the other influential streamers also started asking for money from their fans and followers. This addiction to gambling has affected many Twitch users.
It seems like the whole Twitch community is becoming a victim of gambling addiction and spreading toxicity. Initially, the users think they are helping their idols. But they soon being realizing the lies and frauds of their so-called friend.
Likewise, no platform wants to harm their community especially if they are in millions. This brought Twitch to become more aware of the exploitation of its users and start making much-needed alterations in its policy to maintain the integrity and comfort of its users.
Protest from other Streamers
Twitch’s decision to restrict various gambling games in streaming is highly stimulated by the protest from other streamers. Mainly because gambling streamers easily get their users hooked for many hours, thus affecting the work of fellow streamers.
Furthermore, users were also unhappy that Twitch hadn’t taken any strict action against the toxic streamers and non-registered gambling websites.
Likewise, the protest became stronger when big streamers started supporting and promoting the boycott Twitch protest. Some prominent names are Mizkif, Pokimane, and DevinNash. These streamers are somehow affected by the gambling incident.
For this reason, Twitch made the decision to ban certain gambling sports and websites when its integrity starts compromising. Besides, this decision is important for the sustainability of the platform. Many gambling websites join with big streamers to exploit users. That is why it is important to take serious action.
At first glance, this may cause a huge loss in user base and revenues. However, Twitch promised that it will work on its policies and notified users that it will share more details in the upcoming weeks.