Twitch is known as a revolutionary live-streaming platform and a leading brand in the gaming and entertainment world. However, it has always been cautious about gambling streams, and the rapid popularity of gambling content in recent years has forced Twitch to make many policy changes. So, how did this live-streaming service approach iGaming content in the past, and how has it changed its policy today? We will cover this topic in detail below, but first – if you are interested in trying your luck at casino games, you can start doing so faster by using a Bruce Bet bonus code.

Twitch’s Approach to Gambling Streams in the Past

In the early days of Twitch, the platform was more focused on PC & console games and there were no direct restrictions on content such as gambling. Especially between 2018 and 2020, some major streamers started to offer casino games and betting content to viewers via live streams. These broadcasts featured slot games – played with virtual and real money – and casino games, such as blackjack and roulette. However, Twitch avoided imposing any specific restrictions on this content at that time. They began to be accepted as a new type of broadcast where many streamers made big profits.

Some popular broadcasters attracted viewers by betting high amounts and making big profits. The increase in viewership led Twitch to review this type of stream. However, the platform’s rules at the time only prohibited the promotion of fraudulent or illegal casino sites. Therefore, streams made through legal casinos were allowed. Some of the creators who gained popularity during this period and were watched by hundreds of thousands of people are as follows:

• Trainwreckstv: One of the most well-known names in gambling broadcasts, Trainwreckstv reached millions of viewers with high-stakes casino games.
• xQc: Originally a game streamer, xQc expanded his audience in casino gaming by occasionally including gambling content.
• Westcol: This streamer started on Twitch and now is continuing his career on the Kick platform.

We can also add names such as Adin Ross, ClassyBeef, Shroud, and Sodapoppin to this list. Although some of them were PC & console players, they regularly included casino streams.

Twitch’s Gambling Policy Today

As of 2022, Twitch has increased the pressure on casino & betting streams. Due to increased criticism and the platform’s responsibility policies, Twitch has introduced serious regulations for these broadcasts. The main purpose of these regulations was to protect young viewers from gambling habits and prevent the promotion of illegal casino sites.

In October 2022, Twitch announced that it would ban streamers who promote illegal and unregulated casino sites. This specifically included slots and roulette games played on sites that do not have a betting license. With the new regulations, Twitch announced that it would only allow regulated and licensed casino sites on the platform. It also stated that streamers would be required to transparently report their collaborations with casino sites.

This policy change had a major impact on streamers who frequently produce this type of content. Many streamers risked losing a large portion of their income. For example, popular streamers like Trainwreckstv voiced their criticism of Twitch’s new policies. However, Twitch argued that these regulations were important for the long-term health of the platform and the safety of the community.

Changes Introduced by Twitch’s New Policies

Twitch’s new regulations on gambling content have brought significant changes for both streamers and viewers. The most important results of this policy change include:

• Stricter Regulations: Twitch only allows casino broadcasts from licensed and legal websites. This prevents illegal casinos and platforms that could scam viewers.
• Transparency and Sponsorship Restrictions: Streamers are required to clearly state the sponsorships they get from casino sites. This allows viewers to see more clearly which content is sponsored.
• Protecting Young Viewers: Twitch has introduced age restrictions on gambling streams to protect its young and impressionable audience. This prevents viewers under the age of 18 from accessing this type of content.
• Decline in Ad Revenue: Many streamers have seen a decrease in sponsorship and ad revenue due to Twitch’s new policies. This has led streamers who make money from gambling content to turn to alternative platforms such as Kick.

We can also count regional restrictions among these changes. For example, users from countries where gambling is illegal, such as Turkey, cannot access the casino streams at all: this category is censored for them.

Twitch’s Future Gambling Policies

How Twitch’s policies for gambling content will shape up in the future depends on both the platform’s growth strategies and community feedback. As of 2024, we can say that Twitch does not have a policy of completely banning this type of content. However, it seems likely that the platform will make more regulations to increase viewer safety.

The platform will be able to more carefully control which viewers can access gambling content, especially with the use of AI-powered algorithms. This can provide a safer and more transparent environment for both broadcasters and viewers. In any case, these policy changes will play a critical role in both improving content quality and providing a safe experience.