Twitch has made an important step in resolving the debate surrounding gambling streams by formally prohibiting referral links to gambling websites. Streamers like xQc and Trainwreck, who received significant funding from slot sites, prompted heated disputes among Twitch users. The issue escalated when streamer ‘Sliker’ admitted to borrowing huge sums of money from followers and fellow streamers for gambling purposes and failing to reimburse them.
The community, including powerful influencer Pokimane, demanded stricter rules and maybe a ban. Although Twitch’s new actions may not totally prohibit gambling streams, the prohibition on referral links demonstrates a response to complaints. It attempts to restrict direct marketing and monetisation of gambling services while encouraging appropriate streaming practices. Twitch’s decision underscores its dedication to viewer safety and community standards as it strives to strike a balance.
Naturally, the aforementioned streamers – xQc and Trainwreck – have signed with Kick – an emerging gaming and live-streaming platform. Despite the general confusion on the web, Trainwreck is not the owner of Kick. He signed with them and, because of his popularity, was chosen to act as the face of the platform.
The Rise and Fall of Gambling Streams on Twitch
Prior to the suspension, gambling streams on Twitch had grown in popularity, generating a big audience and increasing interaction. The pleasure of watching streamers participate in online gambling activities ranging from casino games to sports betting was at the heart of the attractiveness of these streams. Viewers appreciated the streams’ participatory element, allowing them to communicate with and wager alongside their favourite broadcasters. The point of contention was that this is most certainly going to lead to irresponsible gambling.
The Growing Role of Cryptocurrencies in Gambling
As the gambling industry embraces digital transformation, cryptocurrencies have become a popular payment and transactional medium. According to Bitcoin.com`s page about online gambling, Bitcoin is the most widely used coin – 73% of the time. Ethereum (15%), Litecoin (5%), USDT and Dogecoin (3% each) are the biggest altcoins used for wagering on crypto-friendly online casinos and sportsbooks.
Kick.com – the Home to Banned Streamers
As a result of the Twitch ban, prominent streams Trainwrecks and xQc made high-profile shifts to Kick.com. These streamers saw the burgeoning platform’s potential, which welcomed gambling material that met legal criteria. Kick.com provides a new channel for this type of content and welcomes popular streamers with open hands. While you’ll probably need a guide for Australian expats if you decide to emigrate to Australia, starting with Kick proves much easier.
Kick.com is a streaming and gambling network that has risen to prominence as a new home for prohibited gambling broadcasters. The platform has the support of respected investors who see its potential in the streaming sector. While specific details about the backers of Kick.com are not readily available, it can be inferred that they are individuals or entities with experience and resources in the gambling and entertainment sectors.
What is known, however, is that Stake.com co-founders Bijan Tehrani and Ed Craven support Kick. With their and Trainwrecks’ support, Kick was started in 2022. The platform is also celebrated for the record-low revenue tax – amounting only to 5%. Being the new kid on the block necessitated another big move from the people behind Kick, so a deal with chess grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura was also made.
These backers provide financial support, strategic guidance, industry connections and a recognisable face to Kick.com, helping the platform grow and establish its credibility as a streaming service. Their involvement demonstrates confidence in Kick.com’s ability to provide a regulated and engaging space for gambling content.
Twitch’s Controversial Measures
Much like Australia’s gambling ad ban, so too, Twitch has made a commitment to stop the promotion of non-licensed slots sites on its platform. After the recent commotion surrounding xQc’s departure to Kick, a competitor platform, the popular streamer expressed astonishment when he discovered an advertisement for a Poker event on Twitch. This event rekindled the debate of gambling on streaming platforms, particularly in light of Twitch’s recent crackdown on unlicensed gambling streams. Twitch has not been a welcoming place for gambling streaming in the last year, but some people are arguing that it is applying a double standard.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement of any betting or gambling services. Readers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with local laws and regulations regarding online gambling. Philtimes.com.au does not promote or encourage participation in gambling activities and bears no responsibility for the external links provided.
