Twitch has posted a statement on Twitter explaining that drastic changes are coming to its Terms of Service. These changes will directly impact the many gambling streams that have permeated the platform in recent months, and that have ultimately led to rising concerns. While these changes do not bring a strict and complete ban to gambling streams, they do go some way towards addressing what is one of the most popular wildfire trends to erupt on the platform in recent years.
For several months, the ‘gambling meta’ has been spearheaded by the likes of xQc, arguably the most popular Twitch streamer on the platform. There are some creators that will spend hours gambling on stream, in some cases losing millions of dollars. There are active partnerships springing up between gambling platforms and top-tier streamers, which has added potent fuel to the fire in the last few months.
Now, Twitch is working to abate the backlash from the community at large, addressing the growth of gambling streams.
Twitch Will Prohibit Popular Platforms
In the statement posted on Twitter, it was revealed that Twitch will:
‘… prohibit streaming of 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.’
Following that portion of the statement, Twitch went on to openly name a string of platforms, including:
- Stake.com
- Rollbit.com
- Duelbits.com
- Roobet.com
However, this list was capped with an end note that suggested more platforms could be restricted: ‘… we may identify others as we move forward.’ There was a further expansion on the ToS change that confirmed that websites ‘that focus on sports betting, fantasy sports, and poker’ would still be allowed to be streamed on the Twitch platform. These changes will come into effect on the Twitch platform as of the 18th of October, 2022.
Recently, a white-hot wave of controversy erupted in the Twitch community as scandals began boiling over into the public eye. It was reportedly revealed that one Twitch partner, Sliker, had allegedly ‘scammed’ viewers and fellow creators out of hundreds of thousands of dollars to fund his gambling habits. As other stories began to surface and the likes of Pokimane and Mizkif came out with public opposition to gambling streams, Twitch was effectively forced to act.
Is The Damage Already Done?
In the midst of the gambling scandals, infamous streamer Dr Disrespect blasted Twitch:
There has been little love lost between Twitch and Dr Disrespect, who was mysteriously banned from the platform in 2020 and has since relocated to YouTube Gaming. At present, the Twitch platform seems to constantly find itself in hot water. From disputes between the platform and its highest-paid streamers to allegations of scams and from hate raids to poor payment structures, Twitch is having a very trying year.
As reported, the changes to the Twitch ToS will take effect from the 18th of October.
