Twitch introduces restrictions on gambling-related links - deadline 17 Aug

[tabas]

I guess that Twitch had a difficult choice to make as well. When they allow streamers to provide bonus codes and giveaways encouraging to start gambling, I don't know in how far they could be responsible if kids below age 18 use that stuff. They would then blame the casinos, but they could as well get into trouble if they don't perform full KYC processes even before the codes could be used and kids make deposits first. Gambling is a rough area and everyone wants to get it right. All too often do authorities get involved and crack down on streamers.

Well, for some casinos, they don't really require KYC so it's not a problem to them whether it's from a twitch streamer or someone that has just used their codes or referrals for their affiliate.
The problem is, it's out of scope already to guide check these teenagers if they've been using those codes or gambling. They're a streaming site and I guess they've resorted due to that one reason.

[tyz]

Do you foresee any Impact on crypto gambling?

Interesting news. Around 1,5 months ago, I started a thread about why Twitch secretly ended crypto payments. I don't know if there's a connection, but it seems like Twitch is being a lot more restrictive now. The funny thing about this news is that gambling streams are not banned but only the sharing of links to gambling sites. There are still a lot of streams where people run slots or play poker.

[KTChampions]

Nice share, I think it's the same topic, regulations are cracking down on popular streaming sites... in Twitch's case, it's gambling, in OnlyFan's case it's porn! In the first place, the government decides to be stricter, and then banks and all payment providers are under pressure to apply some regulations!

Gambling and porn are vices, but it's all normal I think! We all like to play games and have sex! And for that reason, I think that these bans will have just a temporary effect... there will be a demand for both no matter what, and when there's a demand some people will provide! Another thing, people made/making a lot of money from both services, and I don't think they will stop, they will find some way to bypass these regulations!

After the market has been created, it will not disappear anywhere due to bans or restrictions. Users will move to other platforms and continue to do what they did before. By the way, I noticed that some (apparently especially smart and understanding the perspective) users have already left OnlyFans for other services - for example, Amouranth went to Fansly.

[pawanjain]

The latest creator update from Twitch says,

"To prevent harm and scams created by questionable gambling services that sponsor content on Twitch, we will prohibit sharing links and/or referral codes to sites that offer slots, roulette, or dice games,”

Now streamers have time till 17th August to remove any such contents from their videos.

News ref: https://dotesports.com/streaming/news/twitch-introduces-restrictions-on-gambling-related-links

Do you foresee any Impact on crypto gambling?

I think that's a good thing that Twitch cares about their audience and wants to contribute in decreasing scams.
But at the same time I don't think it will matter much to the scammers or gambling sites or gamblers because the internet is huge.
Anybody can find an alternative for anything on the internet and so does the scammers.
Twitch is doing their part on decreasing the scam and I think many other websites will follow the suit in upcoming years.

[passwordnow]

Interesting news. Around 1,5 months ago, I started a thread about why Twitch secretly ended crypto payments. I don't know if there's a connection, but it seems like Twitch is being a lot more restrictive now. The funny thing about this news is that gambling streams are not banned but only the sharing of links to gambling sites. There are still a lot of streams where people run slots or play poker.

I don't get their idea of banning gambling links while allowing them to broadcast or stream gambling content-related stuff. There's still the deed watchable by their viewers but the thing is, there are no more gambling links or affiliated links included. Well, that's going to be odd somehow if they're aiming to avoid people being engaged in gambling but still allowing those gambling-related streams. Impact of it in crypto, not that much to think because there are casinos that are focused only in fiat.

[uneng]

Twitch introduced this restriction in response to lots of criticism from the platform's users who were concerned about children and vulnerable people having to access to such content, but also because (and I think it's the main reason) streamers aren't transparent when advertising casinos. It means the public never knows if they use money from their pockets or fake tokens given by the casino they promote.
This subject was already discussed here innumerous times on another threads as many members of this forum may remember. As we can see the concern really exist and became even a complainment directed to Twitch support.

I just think Twitch doesn't know or doesn't have how to solve this issue, so in order please their users, they simply introduced an useless restriction that isn't going to stop streamers to promote gambling in the platform, but that at same time will be useful to show their public they care for it are trying to solve this.

[fortunecrypto]

I just think Twitch doesn't know or doesn't have how to solve this issue, so in order please their users, they simply introduced an useless restriction that isn't going to stop streamers to promote gambling in the platform, but that at same time will be useful to show their public they care for it are trying to solve this.

They have done the right thing they want a safe and clean environment and they want to be different from other streaming sites and Youtube is one of them, I have seen a lot of porn sites and gambling stream channels on Youtube, and they want parents to put them on their list as one of the safe streaming sites online, putting warning and restrictions will not work, because can easily enter by clinking agree on the warning.

[michellee]

I guess that Twitch had a difficult choice to make as well. When they allow streamers to provide bonus codes and giveaways encouraging to start gambling, I don't know in how far they could be responsible if kids below age 18 use that stuff. They would then blame the casinos, but they could as well get into trouble if they don't perform full KYC processes even before the codes could be used and kids make deposits first. Gambling is a rough area and everyone wants to get it right. All too often do authorities get involved and crack down on streamers.

I guess Twitch is not responsible for their visitor because they are only a media serving a video. They can only upgrade their algorithm and protect their site from the attacker. The content will be their audience responsibility and if the kids watch the video, they can not do anything. Twitch can only suggests adult people not to show explicit material to young people below age 18. Maybe for temporary, a decrease in their visitor will happen after that announcement but that will not stop gambling ads or video showing at that site.

No, not for watching the video, but gambling sites could get into trouble because they have to KYC everyone first. I don't know what is going to happen if an 18 year old plays on a gambling website, loses $1000 and then sues the gambling service provider. Now you might thing authorities would call that stupidness on behalf of the teenager, but I can see at least in some countries that the gambling service provider gets into trouble for not sufficiently checking out the identity in the beginning. Rules are becoming tougher everywhere.

Even though on a different topic, but there are all kinds of ways how companies can be cracked down on:

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/20/onlyfans-bans-sexually-explicit-content.html


No more sexual content on onlyfans because banks and payment providers put the platform owners under pressure. Now you could ask why the hell that is the case, but I guess that authorities are involved. No bank accounts and you are screwed. This could happen to others as well. That's why crypto-only websites might be the safest.

Sooner or later, the authorities will realize that and will take action related to that material. And if they think that the providers are doing something illegal or use something that can attract the young generation to use that thing, they can force the providers to follow their rule. Otherwise, they can not continue their business and will get a fine from the government.

If the young generation trying to break the rule and is caught by the providers, their account can get banned from the providers and make them not play gambling anymore. Maybe the providers need to check all of their member's accounts and use KYC if they think it is necessary.

I wonder the next site that those people will use to upload their sex or gambling material after Twitch introduces restrictions to their members.

[timerland]

Twitch introduced this restriction in response to lots of criticism from the platform's users who were concerned about children and vulnerable people having to access to such content, but also because (and I think it's the main reason) streamers aren't transparent when advertising casinos. It means the public never knows if they use money from their pockets or fake tokens given by the casino they promote.
This subject was already discussed here innumerous times on another threads as many members of this forum may remember. As we can see the concern really exist and became even a complainment directed to Twitch support.

I just think Twitch doesn't know or doesn't have how to solve this issue, so in order please their users, they simply introduced an useless restriction that isn't going to stop streamers to promote gambling in the platform, but that at same time will be useful to show their public they care for it are trying to solve this.

Exactly.

I think that the transparency issue is probably the last straw.

There has been a ton of affiliated streamers who are unwilling/unable to disclose the nature of their deals with the casinos that they are promoting, and as such, mislead people into thinking that they are hitting much more wins than they actually are. It's indeed unethical and a good riddance.

[finaleshot2016]

I just think Twitch doesn't know or doesn't have how to solve this issue, so in order please their users, they simply introduced an useless restriction that isn't going to stop streamers to promote gambling in the platform, but that at same time will be useful to show their public they care for it are trying to solve this.

They have done the right thing they want a safe and clean environment and they want to be different from other streaming sites and Youtube is one of them, I have seen a lot of porn sites and gambling stream channels on Youtube, and they want parents to put them on their list as one of the safe streaming sites online, putting warning and restrictions will not work, because can easily enter by clinking agree on the warning.

Twitch is a very reputable streaming platform, most of the popular streamers that we watch are streaming there so it's the right decision that having restrictions on gambling links was implemented. Yes, gaming sites will continue to promote themselves, but I see a positive side to it, namely a healthy and user-friendly platform. Please keep in mind that some of the viewers are children or rookie gamblers who may lose their life if they are exposed to or experience gambling without first learning about the consequences.

[uneng]

I just think Twitch doesn't know or doesn't have how to solve this issue, so in order please their users, they simply introduced an useless restriction that isn't going to stop streamers to promote gambling in the platform, but that at same time will be useful to show their public they care for it are trying to solve this.

They have done the right thing they want a safe and clean environment and they want to be different from other streaming sites and Youtube is one of them, I have seen a lot of porn sites and gambling stream channels on Youtube, and they want parents to put them on their list as one of the safe streaming sites online, putting warning and restrictions will not work, because can easily enter by clinking agree on the warning.

But this restriction is unlikely to work for real. Streamers can just use a middleman site to promote their referral links. Instead of directly linking their public to the casino site, they can send people to a neutral site where there will be a referral link to the casino. I know it because facebook also doesn't allow diverse referral links related to crypto currency, but it's still possible to advertise those links this way I mentioned.

The solution for this is simple and shouldn't involve any restrictions. People just need to get educated about not trusting streamers/youtubers. Their content isn't very different from traditional media entertainment industry. There are a lot of fake elements in propagandas and programs we have been watching since many years ago and it's not different with modern videos we see nowadays on the internet.

[famososMuertos]

I heard about this news on the Blog https://www.btcgosu.com/blog/news/twitch-bans-affiliate-links-for-gambling/ at the time and like the comments made in the OP, they coincide in some points in others they do not.

I think we all want the gambling niche to stay away from cheaters and we all agree on that, it cannot be made to believe that gambling is an easy way to make money.

[Silberman]

The latest creator update from Twitch says,

"To prevent harm and scams created by questionable gambling services that sponsor content on Twitch, we will prohibit sharing links and/or referral codes to sites that offer slots, roulette, or dice games,”

Now streamers have time till 17th August to remove any such contents from their videos.

News ref: https://dotesports.com/streaming/news/twitch-introduces-restrictions-on-gambling-related-links

Do you foresee any Impact on crypto gambling?

I think this is a good idea, I have no problems with people that decide to gamble and do so responsibly but a lot of kids watch those streams and it is simply not correct that there are so many ads related to gambling as this tend to normalize the activity in the minds of the kids and they could begin to gamble at an inappropriate age, and that is not something that anyone wants, so I see with good eyes something like this, but it is unfortunate people have to be forced to do this and they simply did not restrained themselves from doing so from the beginning.

[seleme]

The fake money streamers will not be able to directly "force" the new users to register under their referral code, Romania has banned Twitch due to the gambling section(AFAIK). Spinning thousands on slots with fake money is the easiest part, I have never seen Roshtein has withdrawn a cent during the stream. The sponsored money can mislead the innocent new gamblers and they will keep chasing their loss until the bust. I support this decision of Twitch, even suggest age verification for the gambling/slots section for viewers.

[ene1980]

The fake money streamers will not be able to directly "force" the new users to register under their referral code, Romania has banned Twitch due to the gambling section(AFAIK).

I am not a Twitch user, but i am trying to understand things here, what do you mean by fake money stream. From what i understand Twitch is a streaming platform for gaming fans to have an interaction and the other interaction i know is the Stake used to conduct giveaway in Twitch.

Spinning thousands on slots with fake money is the easiest part, I have never seen Roshtein has withdrawn a cent during the stream. The sponsored money can mislead the innocent new gamblers and they will keep chasing their loss until the bust. I support this decision of Twitch, even suggest age verification for the gambling/slots section for viewers.

I have no idea what you are talking about here, are you talking about specific streamers ?
If anyone is gambling and if they are well above 18 then you are not misleading, it is the individual conviction to risk money to win more. I understand that some are just dumb enough not to understand what they are doing and want to blame others for their faults. I do not like restrictions in any form in any platform unless and until there is a massive spam attack.

[ethereumhunter]

The latest creator update from Twitch says,

"To prevent harm and scams created by questionable gambling services that sponsor content on Twitch, we will prohibit sharing links and/or referral codes to sites that offer slots, roulette, or dice games,”

Now streamers have time till 17th August to remove any such contents from their videos.

News ref: https://dotesports.com/streaming/news/twitch-introduces-restrictions-on-gambling-related-links

Do you foresee any Impact on crypto gambling?

I think this is a good idea, I have no problems with people that decide to gamble and do so responsibly but a lot of kids watch those streams and it is simply not correct that there are so many ads related to gambling as this tend to normalize the activity in the minds of the kids and they could begin to gamble at an inappropriate age, and that is not something that anyone wants, so I see with good eyes something like this, but it is unfortunate people have to be forced to do this and they simply did not restrained themselves from doing so from the beginning.

So what Twitch does can impact the kids by not watching the wrong ads while watching the streams. But suppose streamers still upload their video containing gambling activity, and the kids watch by coincidentally. In that case, Twitch can not do anything because they can not filter all the videos on their server. Maybe Twitch will figure out the other way so all videos containing gambling or other material that is not for kids can be blocked or even banned.

[AicecreaME]

The latest creator update from Twitch says,

"To prevent harm and scams created by questionable gambling services that sponsor content on Twitch, we will prohibit sharing links and/or referral codes to sites that offer slots, roulette, or dice games,”

Now streamers have time till 17th August to remove any such contents from their videos.

News ref: https://dotesports.com/streaming/news/twitch-introduces-restrictions-on-gambling-related-links

Do you foresee any Impact on crypto gambling?

It won't have any negative impact I guess since they just prohibited sharing links or referral links regarding about gambling. However, social media influencers could still promote it without dropping any link on their content or channel. It is enough already by mentioning it in their video and have a separate social media app for promotions like discord to discuss about it. There are so many ways to promote such things, so overall, gambling sites could still make money like usual without being bother by it.

[Lanatsa]

The latest creator update from Twitch says,

"To prevent harm and scams created by questionable gambling services that sponsor content on Twitch, we will prohibit sharing links and/or referral codes to sites that offer slots, roulette, or dice games,”

Now streamers have time till 17th August to remove any such contents from their videos.

News ref: https://dotesports.com/streaming/news/twitch-introduces-restrictions-on-gambling-related-links

Do you foresee any Impact on crypto gambling?

It won't have any negative impact I guess since they just prohibited sharing links or referral links regarding about gambling. However, social media influencers could still promote it without dropping any link on their content or channel. It is enough already by mentioning it in their video and have a separate social media app for promotions like discord to discuss about it. There are so many ways to promote such things, so overall, gambling sites could still make money like usual without being bother by it.

Lots of diversions indeed if they really wanted too unless if there would be some sort of rewards in regards about violations that had been committed out by a specific influencer which would really be completely stop but as mentioned it is really hard to get rid of it completely.

They could really mention it out and redirect into other places which doesn't impose any bans and that's the power of social media. Dropping off links might be prohibited but using up verbal would
really still counts.

[Taskford]

The latest creator update from Twitch says,

"To prevent harm and scams created by questionable gambling services that sponsor content on Twitch, we will prohibit sharing links and/or referral codes to sites that offer slots, roulette, or dice games,”

Now streamers have time till 17th August to remove any such contents from their videos.

News ref: https://dotesports.com/streaming/news/twitch-introduces-restrictions-on-gambling-related-links

Do you foresee any Impact on crypto gambling?

It won't have any negative impact I guess since they just prohibited sharing links or referral links regarding about gambling. However, social media influencers could still promote it without dropping any link on their content or channel. It is enough already by mentioning it in their video and have a separate social media app for promotions like discord to discuss about it. There are so many ways to promote such things, so overall, gambling sites could still make money like usual without being bother by it.

Lots of diversions indeed if they really wanted too unless if there would be some sort of rewards in regards about violations that had been committed out by a specific influencer which would really be completely stop but as mentioned it is really hard to get rid of it completely.

They could really mention it out and redirect into other places which doesn't impose any bans and that's the power of social media. Dropping off links might be prohibited but using up verbal would
really still counts.

Although they will get a hard time to get rid of those existing users who streams gambling but for sure they will reach to zero gambling contents if they impose this rules more strictly.

Also yeah they can move to different places but since twitch is a big platform for sure other owners of social media sites will impose the same banning to if they are been bothered by the government and ask them to stop those rampant gambling activities on each platform they are in.

[OgNasty]

Those gambling streams are pretty ridiculous. The streamers are usually open about the fact they’re being paid to gamble with house money and nobody should be so reckless with their own money. Still, you know there’s kids out there bankrupting their families trying to win big so they can be the next big twitch streamer. I guess it’s a better use of money then donating to the girls licking microphones on twitch.