As the controversy over the Twitch gambling policy continues to brew, the streaming platform has decided to address the situation now before making a full update to its policy on October 18. Most importantly, it will be banning specific gambling sites while still allowing websites that “focus on sports betting, fantasy sports, and poker.”
Twitch focusing on sites that include slots, roulette, and dice games
An update on gambling on Twitch. pic.twitter.com/lckNTY9Edo
— Twitch (@Twitch) September 20, 2022
The full statement from Twitch on its official Twitter account reasserts its current policy of not allowing users to share links or referral codes to specific gambling sites, but it understands that some have circumvented those rules. Starting October 18th, it will prohibit streaming of numerous websites including Stake.com, Rollbit.com, Duelbits.com, and Roobet.com, though Twitch “may identify others” that might be added to that list. The ban targets “gambling sites that include slots, roulette, or dice games that aren’t licensed either in the U.S. or other jurisdictions that provide sufficient consumer protection.”
This news comes after Twitch streamer ItsSliker made a confession video on Saturday stating that he had scammed his fans and other streamers to the tune of $200,000 which he spent on skins in his Counter-Strike: Global Offensive addiction. The former Team Liquid member admits that he lied to other users that his bank account had been locked before requesting money from them.
Other popular gambling streams on Twitch, notably from xQc and Trainwreckstv, have featured sites like Stake.com in the past. Various sites also sponsor streamers to gamble on the platform. In response, xQc stated in a tweet that he and another content creator named Ludwig will pay back those who were scammed if they show proof that their money was taken.
Even so, other popular Twitch streamers such as Pokimane, Asmongold, and HasanAbi have pressured the platform to ban gambling through the #TwitchStopGambling hashtag. Pokimane, DevinNash, and Mizkif have even proposed boycotting Twitch until the issue is addressed, which it has now done.
In other news, the PS5 is the best-selling console in the US for August 2022, and EA has confirmed that it’s working on several new Marvel games including Iron Man.
